When it comes to durability, versatility, and long-term value, other pipes just don’t measure up to precast concrete. Take, for example, plastic pipe. There are lots of reasons to spec precast concrete instead of plastic pipe – and we’ll give you 10 just for starters. So before you even think about choosing something other than precast concrete, take a look at the facts. If you’re looking for the best over all solution, Hanson precast concrete pipe is the most solid choice you can make.

Reason 1: Superior Strength
Precast concrete isn’t simply stronger than plastic. It’s the strongest pipe available. It can be designed and plant tested to resist any load required. And unlike plastic, it has minimal reliance on installation to support loads; it relies primarily on its inherent, manufactured strength. That adds up to a tremendous difference in the design, the installation and the long-term success of your project.

When strength really matters, there’s no smarter choice than precast concrete.

Reason 2: Durability
There is a variety of products that can meet your specs today. But how many will continue to do the job in the long run? The Corps of Engineers recommends a design life of 70-100 years for precast concrete, and there are countless examples of installations that surpass those numbers.

That means that the expectation for precast concrete’s functional life is twice as long as lesser materials. The reasons for this go far beyond concrete’s innate strength; concrete also won’t rust or burn, and it’s immune to the attack of most elements, whether the pipe is buried or exposed.

Reason 3: Hydraulic Efficiency
The key to long-term performance and efficiency lies in a material’s ability to retain its original shape and alignment. Precast concrete’s rigidity and mass allow it to greatly outperform plastic in this critical area, which in turn helps improve hydraulic efficiency by minimizing the resistance to water flow that often occurs when the shape or integrity of a pipe is compromised.

Reason 4: Design and Construction Flexibility
Some projects have design elements that are a little more complex or intricate than others. Precast concrete pipe provides solutions for these projects, whether they are open cut or trenchless, involve vertical structures or require complex alignment changes. That’s a bill that plastic just can’t fill.

Precast concrete gives you the strength and flexibility to ensure the success of your most demanding applications. Pipes are manufactured with a variety of sizes, shapes, joints and seal options. There’s also an array of linings and coatings that can handle the most aggressive environments. Plus, fittings and other special features can be designed and constructed to virtually any required alignment.

Reason 5: Dependability
Dependability isn’t just a matter of how a product performs on its own. It also has a lot to do with how well it is understood by the people who plan, design, construct and install a project.

How well does the engineer know its properties? How adept is the project team at spotting and correcting potential problems before they happen? How experienced are the crews when it comes to flawless installation and execution?

In this vital area, no material is better understood or more commonly used in the field than concrete. That adds up to fewer mistakes, a greater level of comfort and confidence — and increased dependability.

Reason 6: Ease of Installation
In many situations, the installation of plastic pipes can take longer than precast concrete. That’s because the structural and hydraulic integrity of plastic pipes rely heavily on how well you prep the surrounding soil at installation, rather than on their own inherent strength. Making sure all conditions are right can be a costly and time-consuming proposition.

This is a critical area in which precast concrete far outperforms plastic. Concrete’s rigidity and mass allow for easy and secure placement, without disrupting line and grade. Plus, precast concrete joints are easily assembled, which helps minimize the time needed for installation. When installation time matters, or when the soil poses a challenge to installation, precast concrete is quite simply the most logical and responsible option on the market.

Reason 7: Local Availability
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in existence. In virtually every major market, there is a local manufacturer that produces concrete pipe from local materials. Plastic, in many cases, requires shipping from other regions.

Local availability gives you greater convenience, and also helps minimize shipping time and cost. But that’s only the beginning. Having a local manufacturing resource also means that the materials are designed and produced to meet local standards. If any issues or changes arise, you also have access to local engineering and support personnel who can respond quickly. In addition, local producers support the local economy by hiring local people and paying local taxes — which is an extremely important consideration in many private and public projects.

Reason 8: Value
Comparing the initial hard cost of materials is only the first step in seeing where your greatest value lies. There is an array of costs that arise after the initial purchase that can profoundly affect your project’s bottom line.

Concrete costs less than plastic pipes to install, inspect and test. It also gives you lower ongoing maintenance costs, and minimizes your risk of failure or early replacement. And, since concrete gives you a broader variety of shapes, sizes and strengths, there is a greater chance that you can complete your project as planned — without the need for costly revisions, delays or custom fabrication.

Lower installation costs. Less ongoing maintenance. Reduced likelihood of future problems. They all add up to a lower total cost over the life cycle of your project. That’s the definition of real value.

Reason 9: Environmentally Friendly
Today, being “environmentally friendly” is a growing trend that many organizations voluntarily embrace. Tomorrow, it’s more likely to be a legal obligation.

You’re probably aware that, unlike plastic pipe, concrete is produced with benign, natural materials. But what you may not realize is that the manufacturing of concrete consumes less energy than plastic fabrication. It’s also recyclable and has little if any environmental impact. And, when you use local resources, concrete can also provide lower fuel costs for delivery.

Reason 10: Supports Sustainable Design
Historically, concrete is the most durable and sustainable material for infrastructure and major construction. It continues to function long after a project’s design life is reached, and by maintaining structural integrity longer and better which reduces the social costs associated with repair and replacement.

But precast concrete’s staying power has another benefit: It’s not a passing fad. When you spec precast concrete, the projects you build today are more likely to be compatible with any future expansions or alterations. Of all the products on the market, only one is certain to be around for generations to come: Precast Concrete.