Rigid concrete pipes with flexible joints provide additional advantages in terms of structural and hydraulic design.
As the pipe itself forms part of the pipeline structure, it is often possible to design systems with a number of alternative bedding designs. This can lead to substantial installation cost, time and embodied carbon savings in addition to reduced environmental impact when compared with systems requiring a full granular surround.
The fact that concrete pipes do not deform or lose their shape also means that hydraulic performance is preserved. Deformation at the joint can lead to compromised performance of the seal and pipes that change their shape over time, both in terms of the cross-section and longitudinally, can also reduce the hydraulic efficiency of drainage systems.