Endorsements
Having now laid over 10,500 metres of SuperSleve Vitrified Clay Pipe at the Mortlake Sewerage Scheme, BRK Constructions wish to compliment Hepworth on this innovative product.
Prior to commencing Mortlake we were firmly of the belief that ‘a clay pipe is a clay pipe’. However with more than half the scheme now successfully constructed and air tested, we feel compelled to tell you and others of our praise for the product.
Being both lightweight and dimensionally accurate the SuperSleve Pipes are extremely user friendly. All six of our gangs laying the pipes have expressed confidence in the product, which certainly makes the project management task much easier.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, your staff and your truck drivers for the prompt, efficient and friendly service we received.
We look forward to the continuation of our close relationship for the balance of Mortlake and many future projects.
Yours truly
Andrew McKenzie
Director
BRK Constructions
Following our recent discussions I wish to confirm the reasons I have maintained the recommendation that all gravity sewers be installed in vitrified clay.
Advantages
- Asset life – To date, I have not identified any sewerage or trade waste component, that has any adverse effect on the pipe material. This observation applies to all pipelines installed since 1940
- Maintenance of line and level. A normally laid v.c. pipeline will remain barrel true, even with severe loss of bedding sand, due to groundwater movement
- Laying costs – Vitrified clay does not require strict bedding and cover requirements, and point support only, is sufficient to retain accuracy of line
- Maintenance – V.C. pipes in ground, are robust and are capable of withstanding the physical forces associated with pipe cleaning techniques – including mechanical rodding, cutting and flushing procedures and the more recent high pressure jetting equipment now in common use in the Authority’s sewer districts
- V.C. pipes doe not “float” within the bedding and cover due to outside hydraulic forces.=
Disadvantages
The problem associated with the traditional rolling ring v.c. pipes are well known and include:
- Breakage due to handling (particularly at the collar)
- Tree root intrusion and the need to “dig-in” the collar into the bedding sand when installing
New-Type V.C. System
The introduction of straight v.c. pipe, with plastic compression jointing systems in recent years has overcome the installation and breakage problems entirely. The intrinsic high pressure rating of the joint barrel, should be sufficient to inhibit the initiation of the tree root intrusion.
This Authority has now installed some 15kms of various sized straight pipe V.C./plastic collar joints, in diameters of 100, 150 and 225mm within its region.
I have recommended that all new sewers be installed using V.C. pipes with compression joints. SuperSleve is preferred due to the consistency of pipe dimension and straightness.
Contractor’s Comments
Each and every contractor installing the “new type” sewers over the past three years have been unanimous in their appraisal that the pipe system is simple and quick to install and breakages have ceased to occur due to normal handling (and even rough handling).
General Comments
It is my experience that V.C. pipes with compression joints is a gravity sewer pipe system that requires the least amount of installation acumen by the contractor, probably the lowest quality grade bedding materials and still product a long lasting sewer installation.
Of course, the long term ability of the pipe system to resist tree-root intrusion will be monitored and commented upon, however the pressure at the joint compared to the low pressure joint of the previous rolling ring joints suggests that tree-root intrusion will be greatly inhibited, if not stopped altogether.
In Summary
Vitrified clay pipe sewers are historically able to withstand any known tradewaste or domestic waste discharge. Tree root intrusion into the installed sewer is resisted by the pressure joint of the new system.
Yours faithfully
Chris Langcake
Manager Engineering Services
Portland Coast Water
We would like to praise you for your innovative SuperSleve Pipes. After using them on our recent drainage works at Foundation Gate Shopping Center.
Our men believe that this new product is making their task a lot easier, its lightweight, strong and saves time with fast simple installation. Also having a multitude of fittings and adaptors.
We definitely recommend giving the SuperSleve Pipes a try.
Regards
Rod Davies
Director
Vikol Pty Limited