Quality & standards

Concrete pipes have been in use for over 150 years. That long history of proven performance has combined with continuous product development and improvement.

Concrete pipes have grown in quality, consistency and performance.

• Manufacturing technologies have advanced.
• Concrete mixes have improved.
• Jointing seals have become more watertight and durable.
• New pipe laying and installation methodologies have been introduced.
• Serviceability of products has increased.

Concrete drainage products are among the first to be manufactured to a family of European and British Standards. Demanding standards ensure high performance systems. Concrete pipe standards are designed to achieve high levels of performance. This includes rigorous testing at every stage of manufacture.

Concrete pipe and manhole standards include:

• BS EN 1916 and 1917. These relate to performance requirements on material and product, product strength and testing, water-tightness testing, product sampling and inspection.
• BS 5911 Parts 1 and 3. These are complimentary to BS EN1916 and BS EN1917. They cover other aspects, including cement content information for concrete, geometrical characteristics, sizes and strength class.
• BS 5911 Parts 4 and 6. Part 4 covers reinforced and unreinforced inspection chambers and Part 6 relates to road gullies and gully cover slabs.