Progressive concrete pipe solutions
The opportunity
Over the next decade, our aging sewer
systems will undergo billions of dollars
in repair and replacement.1 Additionally,
as developed areas continue to grow
and evolve, public works managers and
private contractors will need reliable
ways to move waste and storm water
in an efficient and sanitary manner.
As this situation unfolds, concrete pipe
manufacturers are well positioned to
have a significant impact on the success
of these projects.
Holcim’s ASTM cements meet
concrete pipe specifications.
Aging U.S. sewers
need new pipe
3
• 1.2 million miles of sewers
• Many are 100+ years old
• $350 - $500 billion in repairs needed
Faulty sewers create
health hazards
4
• Raw sewage spills: 3 – 10 billion
gallons a year
America’s sewer systems are under-built and considered a threat
to public health and the environment.
Benefits of building with concrete pipes. By installing concrete pipes,
public works administrators will see a number of advantages:2
• Durability: concrete pipe is designed with a 100+ year lifespan; concrete pipes in numerous
systems built in the late 1800s still continue to perform.
• Strength: compressive strengths range from 4,000 to 8,000 psi.
• Rigidity: A system built with concrete pipe gets 85% of its strength from the pipe
and only 15% from surrounding soil. In comparison, flexible pipe is 95% dependent
on soil support and proper installation.
Benefits of manufacturing with Holcim cements.
Product that performs. As part of a full line of cements and supplementary
cementitious materials, Holcim offers you a steady, consistently produced supply of
Type I Portland cement. This proven performer in the concrete pipe industry meets
ASTM C 150 requirements.
Creating a greener infrastructure
As the country’s aging sewer system is replaced,
more concrete pipe will contain greener cements,
like Holcim’s C 595 Portland/Slag Blended Cement,
Class F and Class C Fly Ash and GranCem® Slag Cement.
1
World-class expertise. Our staff, many of whom are world-class talents in their area
of expertise, are available to consult with you on any questions you may have about
how our cements can help you build a stronger, more durable product.
Product availability. A network of plants means you can quickly get the cements
you need to keep your operation running smoothly.
Progressive mindset. Holcim continues to advocate for expanded governmental
standards to include blended cements that will allow you to offer your customers
the performance they need for our nation’s infrastructure while delivering a greener
alternative that meets evolving governmental regulations.
“Obama Pledges Public Works on Vast Scale,”
The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/
us/politics/07radio.html?partner=rss&emc=rss, Dec. 6, 2008.
2
“Why concrete pipe?” American Concrete Pipe Association,
http://www.concrete-pipe.org/why.htm?cp_Session=c49d2f4c
5310d65302ea33091e9044ce, 2008.
3
“Aging Systems Releasing Sewage into Rivers, Streams,”
USA Today, http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-0507-sewers-main_N.htm, May 8, 2008.
4
Ibid.
Pipe
Progressive solutions for concrete pipe
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of cement – the critical ingredient that binds
concrete – we at Holcim understand the
importance you place on quality materials. But
there is also a growing awareness in the industry
that products manufactured with concrete can
have an impact on the environment. That’s why
we are producing our eco-efficient Envirocore™
line of cements.
Envirocore products offer the
performance of traditional
portland cements, but do so
with a lower carbon footprint
This is accomplished by using
less virgin raw material.
Progressive, greener products
such as our C 595 Portland/Slag Blended Cement,
Class F and Class C Fly Ash and GranCem®
Slag Cement are increasingly being used by
Holcim Product Options for Pipe
Product Name
Product Type
Portland Cement
ASTM C 150 portland cement (I, II, III, V)
Portland/Fly Ash
ASTM C 595 blended cement (IP)
Portland/Slag
ASTM C 595 blended cement (IS)
Fly Ash
ASTM C 618 fly ash
Slag
ASTM C 989 slag cement
Envirocore Blend
Note: Historically these materials have been used in concrete pipe. As with all mix designs, however, the products used and their
proportions should be validated with testing prior to use.
pipe manufacturers in a number of states. As this new wave of public works projects
comes under close scrutiny, people will expect public officials to deliver solutions using
sustainable, environmentally aware products like Envirocore.
This unyielding commitment to green building is underscored by our long-standing
history of sustainable development that includes the use of alternative energy sources,
extensive plant upgrades to make us more energy efficient, and whenever possible, wise
transportation choices like rail and barge.
Holcim Ste. Genevieve Plant – Bloomsdale, MO
Construction is underway on the world’s largest single-kiln cement plant in Bloomsdale, Missouri, located along the
Mississippi River. The Ste. Genevieve cement plant – one of the most environmentally efficient cement manufacturing
facilities – utilizes more than 1.65 miles of reinforced concrete pipe. When compared to steel or plastic pipe, strength
and durability were the main determining factors for the use of reinforced concrete pipe for the storm drainage system.
Considering the expected life span of this facility, the infrastructure of concrete pipe will meet the needs of
the operations for generations.
The big picture While access to a complete line of high-performance
cements is a necessity in the building industry, the best products in the world do you little
good if you can’t get what you want, when and where you need it.
To help ensure that happens, we have a network of plants located around the country.
Manufacturing product on a regional level means you not only get a wide choice of
products, but you also get cements customized for your local climate conditions.
You can also rest assured that the Holcim products you use are rigorously tested in
our own laboratories. But we do not stop there. We also confirm these results at both
independent facilities and major universities to ensure you get consistent performance.
In addition, you have access to our staff of renowned technical service engineers, many
of whom are global experts in their fields. From them, you get unparalleled knowledge
about cements, concrete, specifications and standards – and the latest developments for
concrete use in a variety of construction applications.
Our expert staff can help you choose the right cements to
create pipe that delivers high performance while lowering
the carbon intensity of your project.
Printed on FSC certified paper
www.holcim.us
For more information and additional resources, please call 888.646.5246.
US PRD014 1/09