The durability of cellulose fibre reinforced concrete pipes in sewage applications

Concrete pipes are integral components of the community's infrastructure, being employed in a wide range of applications from storm-water drainage to external casing for composite piles. Their use as sewage pipes requires consideration of both the strength characteristics and the long-term durability of the pipes in aggressive environments. Cellulose fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) pipes are relatively new to the market and if they are to find a place in the sewage pipe market, then their long-term durability in a sewage environment must be investigated. This paper presents the preliminary findings of a research program aimed at determining the long-term durability of FRC pipes in sewage applications. Pipe samples of both FRC and steel reinforced concrete (SRC) were exposed to sewage environments and the characteristics of the samples continually monitored. It was found that the strength characteristics of the samples were only slightly affected by the environment but that the surface characteristics of the materials changed significantly.