3c81099475fca61b295f237873d79cc2
3c81099475fca61b295f237873d79cc2
68063fc6f998f9a5a1cab6a3143c7019
68063fc6f998f9a5a1cab6a3143c7019
A newly created trade association will represent the interests of the precast concrete drainage industry. The British Precast Drainage Association (BPDA) is formed from the integration of the Concrete Pipeline Systems Association (CPSA) and the Box Culvert Association (BCA) and takes its place as one of the specialist product groups within the British Precast Concrete Federation.
Stuart Crisp, Business Development Director of the BPDA is clear about the benefits: “While the two product groups have distinct characteristics, there is much common ground in the use of concrete products in drainage applications. Bringing the two associations together allows us to combine our resources more efficiently to promote the benefits of precast concrete drainage solutions.”
A distinctive new logo marks the launch of the Association and although rebranding the wealth of technical data sheets and guidance notes will be a gradual process, the new website is now live and all information from both associations can be found at www.precastdrainage.co.uk
“The concrete industry has some compelling product benefits to shout about,” continues Stuart Crisp. “Our mission is to provide measured and accurate information and to counteract situations where inadequate and misleading opinions prevail.”
The choice of bedding design and standard of construction is as critical to the success of a pipeline installation as the choice of pipe. Understanding its importance, but not understanding the choices available, can lead to over-specification. Bedding design is one area where it is possible to prove the extent of this impact and the CPSA Structural Design and Material Cost calculators can play an important role.
There are a range of bedding solutions – or Classes – that are acceptable depending upon the material from which the drainage pipe has been manufactured, its strength and performance characteristics, traffic loading and the depth at which it is installed.
Bedding is particularly important for flexible pipes, such as sewer pipes manufactured from HDPE. This is because pipelines constructed with flexible pipes need to derive a significant proportion of their structural strength from the embedment either side of the pipeline to prevent them deflecting excessively under load, a condition known as ovalisation, where initially the vertical diameter of the pipe reduces and the horizontal diameter increases.
As a consequence of their lack of inherent strength, flexible pipe installations depend heavily on a high quality installation where the construction is carried out precisely to the engineer’s specification where the surrounding embedment takes the majority of the pipeline’s designed loading.
To help make the options more transparent, CPSA has developed a web-based Structural Design Calculator tool to help with the selection of appropriate bedding Classes for buried pipelines and a second tool – the Material Cost Calculator – to enable a clear cost comparison of different solutions.
Using these calculators recently allowed Leeds based ground worker and civil engineer Athena Civil Engineering to take the initiative on a new housing development in Roundhay near Leeds.
Using the CPSA Structural Design and Material Cost calculators, Athena was able to determine the optimum bedding design for the project. Consideration was also given to the excavated material from the trench, which was deemed suitable for backfill purposes.
To learn more about how Athena used the CPSA on-line calculators please read the full case study.
To download the CPSA Calculator App for portable devices please click here.
CPD – Continuing Personal or Professional Development – is the term that describes a commitment to structured skill enhancement and personal or professional competence.
CPSA currently offers industry professionals the choice of four CPD presentations independently accredited by Construction CPD Certification Service. These presentations have also received the approval of The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and are recognised as CIWEM Accredited Short Courses.
All the presentations can be offered as a free seminar at your local office or at a suitable location. CPD certificates are available to all attendees. The presentations are delivered by Stuart Crisp, CPSA’s Business Development Director. To book a seminar, please complete the booking form or contact CPSA on 0116 232 5170 or email Stuart Crisp directly at stuart.crisp@britishprecast.org.
CDP Seminars
1. “Choosing the right pipeline system – now and for the future”
The areas covered include:
- Installation (capital) and operating costs.
- Structural and hydraulic design.
- Installation.
- Durability and lifetime operational performance.
- Quality and Standards.
- Innovation.
2. “Embodied Carbon Emissions in Concrete and Other Pipeline Materials”
- Explains the fundamentals of carbon accounting and the data required to produce a carbon footprint.
- Identifies recognised information sources and indicates limitations to the reliability of some data.
- Includes a detailed analysis of pipelines and provides comparisons with alternative pipeline materials and installation methods.
- Provides an overview of other environmental impacts such as responsible sourcing, recycling and embodied energy.
3. “Surface Water Management using proprietary precast concrete SuDS systems”
This seminar provides an understanding of the legal framework driving changes in the design and construction of surface water management systems in the UK and the basic principles associated with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and their ownership, operation and maintenance. In this context, proprietary precast concrete SuDS components and systems will be identified and their specific uses examined.
4. “Optimising Pipeline Bedding Design to Achieve Installed Cost & Carbon Efficiencies”
This seminar demonstrates that substantial savings in pipeline installation costs and embodied carbon can be achieved through the effective use of structural design and the resulting selection of an appropriate pipeline embedment detail relevant to the pipe material and strength.
Modern drainage asks a lot of its materials. You need a system that’s totally reliable, easy to install, cost – effective, sustainable and compliant with all the relevant standards. It’s no job for a lightweight. That’s why concrete is still the UK’s best choice for sewerage systems. Concrete offers strong, stable, sustainable performance backed by over 150 years of proven success.
To find out more visit the CPSA website and download the Heavyweight Brochure.
The Concrete Pipeline Systems Association (CPSA) has published a revised version of its comprehensive Technical Guide on the design and installation of concrete pipeline systems.
This latest edition of this indispensable publication will be essential reading for asset owners, designers and installers of concrete pipeline systems. This version has been updated to include the latest industry specifications and examples of best practice. It has also been completely redesigned and with new illustrations to improve clarity and to make it easier to use.
To help users access information quickly and easily, the Guide has been divided into five sections:
System Design – This includes information on the hydraulic design of surface and foul water drainage systems, an introduction to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), pipeline structural design and bedding material selection; and the design of manholes.
Installation of pipes in trenches – This includes advice on planning and sequencing operations, handling and storage, excavation and laying, jointing testing and ground reinstatement.
Installation of pipes using pipe jacking – This section includes a description of techniques and equipment and advice on product selection.
Installation of manholes – This incorporates advice on planning, handling and storage, construction, jointing and ground reinstatement.
The final section is a comprehensive list of references and further reading including industry Standards, specifications and references to other useful publications and industry bodies. Concrete pipeline systems are the material of choice for both foul water and surface (or storm) water systems and have been for over a century. With their proven long service life of more than 100 years users can be sure that installation and lifetime costs will be minimal. In addition to being cost effective, concrete pipes are also an environmentally friendly drainage solution, particularly when compared to plastic pipes.
A major advantage of using concrete pipes is that they are suitable for use with a wide range of bedding designs which can lead to substantial installed cost savings, faster installation and a lower environmental impact. Precast concrete’s inherent strength and durability can also help protect a pipeline system throughout its lifetime of operation and extend intervention periods for maintenance and replacement.
The Technical Guide provides essential information from the CPSA to design, install and maintain a concrete pipeline system. The Guide is currently available as a pdf download and includes hyperlinks to specialist information and additional design details.
Download Technical Guide
CPSA members offer numerous components suitable for use within a sustainable urban drainage system.
On the CPSA website they are listed in a table indicating their functions within the appropriate Management Train. If you’re looking for specific product information contact the CPSA.
Useful Sustainable Urban Drainage System information:
- Susdrain – SuDS community
- CIRIA – The SuDS Manual
- National Standards for SuDS
Sustainable urban drainage systems are a natural method of controlling drainage in and around properties. SuDS work by holding back water that runs off from a site, allowing more natural processes to eliminate pollutants.
Appropriate implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems must deliberate a combination of techniques, supported by traditional drainage techniques. It is fundamental that all stakeholders within the construction of sustainable urban drainage systems consider the significance of the entire life maintenance and the use of suitable components that deliver sustainability and longevity.
Recent Comments