What Is GRP Jacking Pipes Solution?

Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) is a composite material that offers unique properties and benefits when used in a variety of applications. The combination of materials in GRP creates a product that offers strength, reliability, and high performance. GRP pipe offers a new opportunity to integrate better, more efficient solutions through innovative product design. 

Traditional solutions

Before GRP was used in micro tunneling applications, there was concrete. While that solution is still in use, there are a number of improvement aspects that can be addressed using GRP jacking pipes. Conventional concrete jacking pipes typically require two pipes in micro tunneling applications. The two-pipe approach means that underground applications require a pipe wrapped inside a concrete pipe to complete the solution.

In the traditional solution, the casing (outer pipe) is made of concrete, resulting in a heavier outer layer. The inner diameter of the encased pipe is also very large due to the necessity of the inner pipe. The thickness of the concrete also adds to the large diameter, resulting in larger application tunnels and more disposal volume. The transport pipes (inner pipes) are usually made of PE, GRP, or PVC and are fixed in a casing. The lining between these pipes is then filled with cement slurry.

GRP Jacking Pipes 

Benefits of GRP

With the advent of GRP technology, the industry has been looking for new ways to streamline the construction process. One such application is projects involving micro tunnels. GRP pipe jacking offers a single pipe solution that provides strength while reducing pipe weight, bore size and improving hydraulic performance. Where two pipes are used in a traditional concrete solution, both can be replaced with a single GRP jacking pipe. LANDYOUNG GRP jacking pipe is suitable for use in pressure, non-pressure, and trenchless applications for potable, non-potable, industrial, drainage, and wastewater systems.

This brings several advantages that affect the speed, cost, and efficiency of the application.

The outer diameter of the GRP pipe is smaller than that of a traditional concrete pipe jacking.

The smaller OD means easier work for the installer and easier transport to the site. It also saves money because the smaller OD means a smaller tunnel size for the same bore diameter. Using GRP reduces disposal and excavation costs because the smaller bore diameter reduces the amount of spoil that needs to be removed by the installer. The outer surface of the GRP pipe is not only smaller, but also smoother. The smooth surface reduces friction during jacking and allows for longer drive lengths.

They have better hydraulic performance.

GRP's composite material results in better hydraulic performance. Used in many sewer applications, the smooth inner surface of GRP pipes allows for easier flow. The rough surface of concrete pipes tends to increase the friction on the pipe surface.

 GRP Jacking Pipes

GRP headers are corrosion-resistant.

GRP pipes do not require metal reinforcement, which means they are not subject to corrosion. In contrast, concrete pipes contain steel reinforcement with corrosion potential, especially in wastewater applications.GRP's high abrasion and chemical resistance make them ideal for a variety of micro-tunneling projects.

Their design is innovative, high strength, and flexible.

GRP jacking pipes are a single pipe solution compared to the double pipes commonly used in concrete solutions. They are easy to cut, install and connect; and are available in a wide range of lengths. They are suitable for high stiffness pipe designs, making them a flexible option for design lives in excess of 100 years.

GRP jacking pipes offer high compressive strength and an excellent wall thickness to inner diameter ratio compared to reinforced concrete (RC) or glass clay (VC) materials. With comparable outside diameters, GRP jacking pipes have significantly larger inside diameters.

End-to-end solutions.

The construction industry is constantly evolving - and new developments mean that suppliers should offer products that are suitable for projects that take advantage of the latest technology and application solutions. When comparing GRP jacking pipes to traditional concrete solutions, they represent the product of choice for the future of micro-tunneling applications. If you are interested in using GRP jacking pipes in your next project, we offer a range of sizes and pressure capabilities to meet your unique application needs.