Development of fibre-reinforced concrete pipes

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The more than a century old Canadian concrete pipe industry involves 21 producing companies, along with another 12 companies of supply and equipment. However, this important sector for the Canadian economy has been experiencing a shrinking market share over the last few decades due to emerging competition from other pipe products. Technological breakthroughs and structural changes are needed for enhancing the profitability and competitiveness of this industry. Reducing production costs is central to such a strategy. In this research project, we undertake the task of replacing the labour-intensive and time-consuming steel cages used for reinforcing concrete pipes with discrete reinforcing fibres that can be added in the concrete mixture without major changes in existing production processes. The project is conducted in collaboration between Con Cast Pipe, Guelph, Ontario and the Structures Laboratory and Geotechnical Research Centre at The University of Western Ontario. Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) mixtures with tailor made engineering properties for pipe manufacturing will be optimized. Scaled down FRC model pipes will be tested in the laboratory, followed by testing of full-scale FRC pipes manufactured at the precast plant. Several experimental parameters will be investigated to strike a balance that leads to producing FRC pipes meeting design code requirements, yet cost-competitive with superior finish quality. Numerical modeling and full-scale testing of FRC buried pipes under overburden loading will allow formulating adequate design guidelines, paving the way for the acceptance of such pipes within the design community and other stakeholders of this industry. It is anticipated that this project will lead to the training of highly qualified personnel that can lead the technology, and will substantially help Con Cast Pipe both reducing production costs and generating additional revenues through gaining market share.