Corrugated HDPE and PP pipe products, collectively referred to as corrugated plastic pipes (CPP), have largely evolved as a result of market demands and manufacturing technology. Since they are produced from versatile materials, CPP are used in a broad array of drainage applications.
Single-wall Corrugated HDPE Pipe
Single-wall corrugated HDPE pipe has a corrugated exterior and interior. This type of pipe is used for drainage projects in which flexibility, light weight, and low cost are important.
Single-wall corrugated HDPE is produced in accordance with a number of national specifications, which include ASTM F667, AASHTO M 252 (3 to 10-in. (7.6 to 25 cm)) diameter, and AASHTO M 294 (larger than 10-in. (25 cm) diameter).
Pipe diameters range in size from 3 to 24 in. (7.6 to 60 cm), however larger diameters of single-wall can be made. Single-wall may be manufactured in 10-ft (3-m) lengths, more commonly-used 20 ft (6-m) lengths, and continuous lengths greater than 5000 ft (1524 m), depending on the diameter.
The specific design of the pipe varies by manufacturer, and individual pipe manufacturers should be consulted regarding for available lengths and diameters. Specific applications for single-wall HDPE pipe include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Agricultural drainage;
- Drain fields and French drains;
- Landscape drainage and sub-drainage;
- Slope, edge, and foundations;
- Downspouts and roof drainage;
- Pavement edge drains and underdrains;
- Golf courses;
- Athletic fields;
- Grain aeration;
- Land reclamation; and,
- Toe drains.
For subsurface water collection or leaching action, single-wall corrugated HDPE pipe is available with slots or drilled hole perforations. Perforated single-wall pipe may be supplied with a geotextile wrap, which is often recommended for projects involving fine sand, soil, or flowable particles of soil.
Perforated single-wall HDPE pipe is also used for highway edge drains, culverts, and other construction applications where economy and durability are important. Non–perforated pipe is used when water must be conveyed by gravity flow from one point to another.
Single-wall corrugated pipe has been successful at helping to keep farms, golf courses, parks, and playing fields dry for decades by channeling away excess underground moisture.
Homeowners also commonly use single-wall HDPE because it is an economical, easy-to–install solution to all kinds of residential stormwater drainage problems, such as downspouts run offs, foundation drainage, window well drains, driveway culverts, and landscaping to drain wet spots on the lawn.
Dual-wall Corrugated HDPE Pipe
Dual-wall corrugated HDPE pipe has a smooth liner that improves hydraulics and longitudinal strength of the pipe. Dual-wall corrugated HDPE pipe is preferred for stormwater drainage due to its light weight, high strength and premium hydraulics characteristics.
Dual-wall corrugated HDPE manufacturers provide various pipe joining methods depending on the pipe style and project requirements. Pipe joints are available with an integral bell and gasketed spigot joints, which are most commonly used for dual-wall corrugated HDPE.
Another type of jointing system for dual-wall pipe is a coupling band, which wraps around the pipe and is secured with plastic ties. The available diameters for dual-wall corrugated HDPE range from 4 in. to 60 in. (10 cm to 150 cm) and it is most commonly available in approximately 20-ft (6.1-m) lengths.
Shorter lengths (e.g., 10 and 13 ft (3 and 4 m)) may be available to facilitate the use of trench box safety equipment for the deeper installations. Longer length and custom lengths may also be available. Dual-wall corrugated HDPE is predominately used in storm sewer and culvert applications.
Widespread acceptance and installation of the product has led to its rapid growth in municipal, highway, subdivision, and commercial development. Specific applications include, but are not limited to the following:
- Culverts and cross drains;
- Storm sewers;
- Underground retention/detention;
- Ditch enclosures;
- Mining;
- Sub-surface drainage; and,
- Industrial
Dual-wall Corrugated Polypropylene Pipe
Dual-wall corrugated polypropylene (PP) pipe is commercially-available in 12 to 60-in. (300 to 1500 mm) diameters and typically 20 ft (6 m) lengths. Shorter corrugated PP pipe lengths may be available if used with trench box safety equipment for the deeper installations.
It often has a crosssection that is almost identical to the dual-wall corrugated HDPE. The PP material has a higher flexural modulus than HDPE; therefore, the resulting pipe is stiffer than corrugated HDPE pipe.
In addition to being used for culvert and storm sewer applications, dualwall corrugated PP pipe has gained market acceptance as a viable sanitary sewer product. Dualwall corrugated PP pipe is produced with an integral bell and spigot pipe jointing system that can meet or exceed most watertight requirements. Read Full PDF
