HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
(OP)
Has anybody had experience with this? My client wants some HDPE pipe embedded into concrete. WHen finished, the total length will be 450 ft. There will be 6 pipes, varying in size from 1.5" to 8". There will be riser stations exposed every 100', but the pipe will transition to 316 stainless steel there.
I'm OK with embedding the pipe, but the thermal expansion has me concerned. Will restraining the HDPE damage either the pipe or the concrete?
I'm OK with embedding the pipe, but the thermal expansion has me concerned. Will restraining the HDPE damage either the pipe or the concrete?





RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
It also has a very high coefficient of thermal expansion.
I can see why your client might want to surround the pipe with concrete especially if it is exposed to a lot of directly sunlight. The pipe would "snake" between supports but a continuous restraint would keep it in one place.
The only position that might give a problem is where the risers exit the concrete. The smaller risers might be ripped off the main pipe but leaving a slightly larger hole (protected so it does not clog up) should prevent this.
You will have to do some expansion calculations to determine the size of hole / slot to leave.
Unless the concrete surround is very thin I doubt that the concrete will be damaged.
Try this web site for guidance http://ww
They have several downloads
Stephen Argles
Land & Marine
www.landandmarine.com
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
Furthermore, if it is critical that there be an axial leak-proof transition between the outside of the plastic pipe and encasement, e.g. passing through a concrete structure wall etc. (this would not appear to be the case in your application), this sort of application apparently needs to be very carefully considered (as the plastic apparently does not bond with the concrete in the same fashion as a metal wall pipe, and or the transition is more susceptible to thermal and other movements, sliding, seal disturbance etc.?) See e.g. the mention/explanation in "...Related Art" (prior art etc.) at http:/
I guess you could contact these authorities as to their experience(s) that result(s) in such concerns/prohibitions.
On the other hand, I know at least one manufacturer of at least plastic composite pipes actually advertised in their roll-out of an allegedly "wear" etc. -resistant piping system a few years ago at http://www
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete
The piping material that you are probably looking is PEX or more specifically PEXa. PEX is polyethylene crosslinked and it is HPDE extruded with high pressure peroxide which makes the crosslinking of the carbon molecules possible. The result makes the PEXa pipes tougher, more flexible, resistant to "creep", thermal expansion and slow crack growth inherent in HDPE pipes. Also PEXa is commonly used in concrete for Radiant Floor Heating and Geothermal Energy Piles configurations. The sizes range from 3/8" up to 2" in stock but larger diameter pipe can be custom made. I am attaching some documents that provide examples of the differences between PEXa and HDPE. If you want to know more just let me know
RE: HDPE pipe embedded in concrete