Concrete Changes in Germany
 French version
 German version
 Polish version
Germany is world famous for its leading edge technology. Yet unlike the rest of Europe, German civil engineers in the sewer sector have not always been quick to appreciate the technical benefits of plastic manholes. Is conservatism or communication to blame perhaps? An action team has been formed to changeopinions.
The German Plastic Pipe Association (KRV) has been successfully promoting the interests of plastic pipe technology since 1957. Their role in changing perceptions in the age of concrete largely because of the aging of concrete has been pivotal. At a recent Civils TEPPFA meeting in Amsterdam, Andreas Redmann who is responsible for sewer infrastructure at the KRV announced the formation of a new team. Its task is to convince operators of sewer networks of the many advantages of plastic manholes.
“Like most countries in Europe, West Germany started to switch over to plastic sewer pipe systems in the mid-nineteen fifties.” Redmanntold the meeting. “However, by eventually removing the concrete wall that divided East and West, we have been slower to remove our aging concrete sewer networks.”
“History and not technology is partly responsible for this delay in modernization. We have the some of the longest sewer networks in Europe and most are suffering from corrosion and leakage. Plastic pipes account for ten percent of all new pipe projects and this share is growing annually.”
“Rehabilitation or renovation of these antiquated networks is a valid solution and plastics arecontributing particularly where trenchless techniques are applied. Unlike concrete sewer pipes, plastic pipes are corrosion resistant and can perform perfectly with only minimal maintenance for at least one hundred years. Large diameter versions of these pipes have clearly boosted acceptance.”
Conversation
Redmann is convinced that plastic manholes and inspection chambers have also been partly subject to the forces of conservatism. “Resistance to modernize and opt for what are cost-effective and sustainable solutions requires a joint effort by the industry and its partners. “We have to start a conversation that will demonstrate the very practical and tangible advantages of these systems,” says Redmann.
Various campaign initiatives will be floated at a forthcoming conference in Dusseldorf. The aim is to reach out to decision makers of German sewer networks. “We need to present the convincing evidence acquired by national and international engineers that plastic pipes and manholes offer overwhelming technical and long term benefits. Unlike concrete manholes, our presentations will not be vulnerable to cracks. Our arguments and manhole systems will be open to complete inspection!”
This newsletter will follow the campaign and report on its progress.
For further information: andreas.redmann@krv.de
Plastic Manholes: Line of Questionning Online
French version
German version
Plastic manholes do not break the back or the bank. Civil engineering minds are no longer set in concrete and over the last fifteen years, market share of these systems has expanded to almost total absorption in some European countries. But competitive success can breed unfair cynicism. Time therefore that the Civils Group put all their cards on the table and publish TEN FAQ's on the web. Their technical arguments are sound and will not crack under pressure!
The benefits of plastic manholes are generally well known. They are available in a wide range of sizes, have low weight and can be easily and quickly transported, handled and installed without any special equipment. In reviewing these benefits, the authors of the FAQ's have also qualified their arguments with comparative information. For example: "The weight of a typical concrete manhole is 18 times higher than a plastic manhole of the same height."
Backed up by a graph that correlates weight against height for plastic versus concrete, the point is further underlined by the need for a special crane to handle and install the latter. "In some cases, a temporary service road parallel to the trench will need to be built and used by the crane and heavy trucks used to deliver the concrete manhole."
Technical evidence
All FAQ's are supported by appropriate technical evidence. Take for example the following FAQ: "How do water temperature and climate affect the durability of plastic manholes? Answer: Plastic manholes are resistant to a wide range of temperatures from -20° C to 45°C. No water is absorbed which can freeze in winter destroying the structure. It is well known that water freezing between concrete elements can destroy them, whereas plastic parts are not affected by the same conditions."
Posted on the TEPPFA website last year, the FAQ's have achieved a large number of hits and are highly placed in web search engines. That means that their various messages are being transmitted. It also means that the Civils Group now has a communications tool that will address any misconceptions, now and in the future!
To consult the entire list of questions, go to: FAQ Manholes in Civils
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