How to Install Corrugated Metal Pipes?

Installing corrugated metal pipes may help to prevent soil erosion and flooding, but some guidance should be followed when installation to ensure proper functionality and long service life of corrugated pipes. Here is the simple instruction about installation of corrugated pipes.

Excavation

First of all, a narrow but sufficiently wide trench is needed to locate corrugated metal pipes. This trench should be in proper width - that is because insufficient width will affect tamping and backfill; while excessive width will add the task of excavation and backfill, even prolong the construction period. Normally, trenches are best to be 12" to 24" wider than the structure. In addition, the size and room required by tamping equipment should also be taken in consideration when excavating.

When installing parallel pipelines, do not forget to leave sufficient space between them to ensure proper room for tamping, backfill as well as adequate side support for each pipe.

Bedding

The bedding refers to the foundation where corrugated pipes located and assembled. The bedding should be lined and graded to make sure it is firm enough to support pipes. Hard and sharp materials such as large rocks and woods should be removed to protect pipe coatings from scratching, which may affect the corrosion resistance even service life in the end. If severe conditions are encountered, such as uneven or soft foundations, we can excavate the foundation below the line and replace improper bedding material with suitable one to form a cushion at least 6" thick and then tamper the bedding.

The bedding should be shaped to form a uniform earth structure around the bottom of pipe. Normally, the bedding for round pipes is about one quarter of the circumference while the bedding for arch pipes are wider.

Pipe handling

Corrugated pipes are strong and durable enough to withstand rough handling without deformation. But reasonable care must be taken when handling. For example, never try to drag corrugated pipes as it will damage pipe coating. If the construction condition is so severe that large hoisting equipment cannot work, these pipes can also be handled by a small crew just using rope slings thanks to their lightweight structures.

Two beddings are shaped to suit the figure of round and arched corrugated metal pipes.

Assembling

Whether it be integral or assembled corrugated pipes, they should be bolted together. Arrange these pipes in lines with proper space for mounting joints & fittings. Put joints into position at end of one pipe and receive another pipe. Make sure the two ends of corrugated pipes and the joints match well free of dirt and stones between them, then fasten them using bolts and nuts.

Backfill & compaction

Once corrugated pipes are located and assembled, the backfill can be carried out immediately. A good backfill is important because it influences the integrity of embankment, the adjacent structures and the arrangement, cross sectional shape of the pipe. It is recommended to choose granular containing small amount of silt or clay as backfill material as it is easy to be placed and compacted as well as provides density and stability over a wide range of moisture content. Be careful when backfilling to ensure a proper moisture content, a safety material without large rocks and frozen stones and other debris, etc. Then place backfill materials in layers about 6" in depth and compact each layer carefully using hand held tampers.

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