Lighter Composition
The inherent properties of fibre cement technology provides a relatively lightweight pipe composition with benefits recognised during transport and installation. At about half the weight per metre of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) pipe, 4m long FRC™ pipes are generally no heavier than a 2.44m length of steel reinforced concrete pipe. These benefits translate to easier handling and increased efficiency during installation.

Impressive Strength Capacity
FRC™ pipes are recognised for their impressive strength capacity. In accordance with AS4139, we adopt a conservative approach where the design load of fully saturated FRC™ pipe is at least the same as that for dry SRC pipe manufactured in accordance with AS4058. This conservative approach, combined with the elasticity of FRC™ pipes under loads, reduces the risk of pipe cracking.

Longer Lengths
FRC™ pipes are manufactured in standard 4m lengths, as opposed to the standard 2.44m lengths of SRC pipes. The longer lengths of FRC™ pipes reduce the number of laying operations to provide significant savings. This is demonstrated in a straight 100m run which would require only 25 lengths of FRC™ pipe instead of 40 lengths of SRC pipe.

High Durability
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance of drainage pipes is a consideration for some authorities due to the topography of their area.

In over 20 years since their introduction, FRC™ pipes have proved themselves to be able to master a wide variety of installation conditions. Remember that FRC™ pipes do not contain steel reinforcement, which has an increased risk of corrosion.

Chemical Resistance
The autoclaved chemical structure of FRC™ pipes ensures good resistance to saltwater and acidic soil attack and is therefore ideal for saltwater or marine environment applications.

Autoclaving provides the necessary temperature and pressure conditions for the ground sand to react with the cement to create an advanced calcium silicate hydrate structure, with significantly reduced free lime content. The autoclave cement hydration products are different from those obtained in the normal concrete curing process.

Autoclaved cement pipes are highly resistant to attack from neutral sulphates and naturally occurring ground waters, and therefore additional pipe protection is not required (except in extremely acidic ground conditions where the pH is less than 4.5). Autoclaving also gives the benefit of high early strength.

Product Versatility
The increasing use of FRC™ pipes and accessories in non-typical industry applications demonstrates the true versatility of James Hardie’s fire reinforced concrete pipe products.

James Hardie’s commitment to innovation and design has produced an extensive range of FRC™ pipe products where water management requires not only the ‘light, strong, long’ characteristics of fibre reinforce concrete but unique project solutions.