Corps of Engineers Manual Recognizes Concrete's Long Life

N/A. Army Corps of Engineers recently updated its engineering manual entitled "Conduits, Culverts and Pipes," (EM 1110-2-2909). The publication, which provides guidance on the construction of conduits, culverts and pipe used in civil works projects, gives concrete pipe an estimated service life of 70 to 100 years. According to the manual, this is approximately two times that of steel or aluminum. It also says that long-term material properties should be considered in the design phase, and claims that design engineers should not expect a service life of greater than 50 years for plastic materials.

The manual outlines specific uses for reinforced concrete pipe such as for dams, urban levees and other levees where public safety is at risk or substantial property damage could occur. The guidelines include warnings about the use of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) in such structures as rural levee systems stating that, among other problems, corrugated metal is subject to chemical and galvanic corrosion. The Corps of Engineers recommends a life cycle cost analysis be performed when using CMP in civil works projects.

In a separate manual, titled "Life Cycle Design and Performance," (EM 1110-2-8159), the Corps sets forth a policy requiring design engineers to implement 100-year life cycle concepts into planning and design considerations for major civil works projects, despite higher first costs. The following statement is made: "Design engineers are to use materials and project components with a proven history of long-term reliable performance."

The Government Relations Committee of the <%=company%> has worked for the past two years to gain recognition of concrete's strength and durability under Corps of Engineers guidelines. Copies of the two manuals can be obtained from the Army Corps or by contacting the American Concrete Pipe Association's Resource Center at Tel. 800-290-2272; Fax. 972-291-0622.