A Service Life Assessment of Corrugated HDPE Pipe

Session 5B
10:40 AM

Michael Pluimer, Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc.

The service life of our nation’s infrastructure has become a topic of increasing focus in recent years. While above-ground infrastructure deterioration is readily apparent, the infrastructure beneath the surface can be much worse and yet is often largely ignored until it is too late. Since culverts and other buried structures typically aren’t inspected as frequently as above-ground structures such as bridges, the proper assessment and determination of their service life becomes very important. The design service life of corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) drainage pipe has been a subject of considerable research over the past several years. When assessing service life, one must look beyond just the materials used in the manufacturing of the pipe and should consider the entire pipe system, including joints, installation quality, and other factors affecting the long-term durability of the piping system.

This paper discusses a method for determination of long-term service life of corrugated HDPE pipe by utilizing some of the current widely-accepted methods employed by the smooth-walled plastic pipe industry while modifying them somewhat to take into account the unique geometry and installation conditions of buried corrugated pipe. The paper summarizes some of the work and research conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation and presents new data as tested in accordance to their protocol. The resulting data indicates a material service life in excess of 100 years. The paper also reviews some other factors to consider when assessing service life of pipe, including joint and gasket performance and durability and installation quality.

Michael Pluimer
Director of Engineering, Plastics Pipe Institute