Corrugated metal pipes (CMPs) are some of the most commonly used materials for underground stormwater infrastructure. They go largely unnoticed, but are necessary to support the daily functions of our lives by properly moving water to avoid issues like water ponding, standing water on roadways, and localized flooding.
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CMPs are used for various underground infrastructure projects such as culverts, stormwater detention/retention systems, storm sewers, small bridge replacements, aeration pipes, material conduits, and more.
CMPs can require frequent maintenance and repairs if they aren't given adequate protection through the use of things like structural polymeric linings. Keep reading to learn about CMPs, 3 common issues they face, and how to fix them!
Corrugated metal pipes
A corrugated metal pipe (CMP) is a pipe—used for culverts and other underground infrastructure—that has a distinct set of parallel grooves and ridges.
As mentioned, they're most commonly used for drainage culverts, storm sewers, material conduits, and other underground stormwater conveyance infrastructure pieces.
CMPs are commonly manufactured out of aluminum and steel, with different metallic coatings and alloys designed for different applications.
Aluminum alloy CMPs are designed to resist the effects of corrosion and abrasion underground. The surface of the core is coated with a higher-grade aluminum alloy.
Aluminized steel CMPs are manufactured by hot-dipping steel CMPs in commercially pure aluminum. These pipes can be effective at combating corrosion, in particular for culverts and drainage systems that involve acidic water.
Galvanized steel pipes are manufactured using a process called—you guessed it—galvanizing. Galvanizing involves applying a zinc coating to the pipe, thus protecting the base layer of steel from corrosion. Typically less effective than aluminized steel, the zinc helps protect from corrosion by acting as a barrier between water and the steel, reducing the effects of rusting and deterioration for the short term.
Asphalt-coated galvanized steel pipes are similar to galvanized steel pipes, but they're coated on the interior and exterior with asphalt to delay corrosion and deterioration for a longer period. The asphalt, in combination with the zinc coating, provides additional abrasion resistance and helps to prevent water, debris, and abrasive run-off from reaching the base layer of steel.
Polymeric coatings and structural linings are emerging as great options in the industry to help CMPs stay sealed and strong. Polymeric coatings protect against abrasion from acids, salts, alkalis, and other materials that threaten CMPS in culverts and sewers.
CMPs
Corrugated metal pipe joints are the areas/pieces that connect different adjacent sections of pipe. These areas can be a source of problems if they are opened due to misalignment. In these scenarios, backfill material can erode into the pipe, causing structural deterioration and eventually failure if left untreated.
To fix open joints, a process called joint sealing is carried out. It's as simple as it sounds—the joint is sealed off to prevent unwanted material from entering. Polymeric linings are great for joint sealing, providing structural rigidity against soil intrusion and hydrostatic pressure
Voids are unwanted gaps/spaces between the CMP and the soil. They're addressed by using polyurethane grouting to fill the void and using polymeric linings to seal/strengthen the CMP.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Corrugated Steel Culvert Pipe. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The invert of a corrugated metal pipe is the lowest point within the pipe that water flows across.
Since this is where the water makes the most contact with the pipe, it's especially susceptible to abrasion during peak stormwater events and corrosion over time if left unprotected. Deteriorated CMP inverts are likely the most common and frustrating corrugated metal pipe problems that underground infrastructure professionals face. If the pipe doesn't have a long-lasting, abrasion-resistant corrosive protective agent like a polymeric lining, it can rust through.
Once the invert rusts through, other serious problems can occur like voids or even total structural failure.
While there may be numerous approaches available in the market, many professionals are starting to see the advantages of trenchless pipe repair.
Trenchless pipe repair means fixing underground pipes from the inside. These projects can be carried out to completion within a few working days, far shorter than digging from the surface and ripping up roadways to get to the pipes.
Polymeric linings—as mentioned in the Corrugated Metal Pipe problems section before—are a great trenchless solution for CMP repair and rehabilitation.
Underground infrastructure—supported by things like CMPs—is vital to our society, so it's important that we keep it protected.
Trenchless repair methods for corrugated metal pipes are proving to be the superior solutions when applicable, as they save communities time and money through long-lasting solutions and minimal disruptions.
Corrugated steel pipe & plate has dominated the culvert application market since its emergence in the construction industry more than 100 years ago. Corrugated steel culverts, storm drains and sub drains are vital to the protection of streets, highways and railroads.
As the need for cost-effective, durable infrastructure has grown over the years, the corrugated pipe industry has responded.
Technological advancements provide more hydraulically efficient profiles and highly durable coatings, such as spiral rib pipe, polymer coatings, aluminized Type 2 steel and 2-ounce galvanized.
Corrugated steel pipe & plate culverts provide reliable, economical solutions to handle the flow, including debris, with minimum damage to the slope or culvert barrel. [hr]
Corrugated steel culverts maintain the advantage of the strength of steel with a variety of coatings providing long service life. With allowable fill heights over 100 feet and minimum covers as low as 12 feet, corrugated steel pipes & plates can be matched to the strength required. Established long-term materials properties ensure product performance throughout the design life.
Corrugated steel pipe & plate provides “smooth” alternatives and fabricated fittings for superior hydraulics. Spiral rib pipe and fully lined CSP have the lowest Manning n-values of any storm sewer material. Small diameter helical CSP also has very low roughness coefficients as proven through independent testing. Fabricated fittings provide superior hydraulics by minimizing energy losses at junctions.
These factors, along with a variety of coating systems, mean CSP can meet any service life requirement. Galvanized, aluminized and polymer-coated CSP are just a few of the coating options. Expected service life can be determined using the NCSPA Service Life Guidelines.
Corrugated steel pipe & plate provides the lowest installed cost compared to other materials. This is due to the low up-front material costs plus the added advantages of reduced installation costs, especially in large diameters. CSP is one-tenth the weight of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and comes in lengths of 20 feet or longer. Add this to fewer joints and easy, positive connections and it equals an installation cost advantage.
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