Tom Deckers, Managing Director from Steinzeug-Keramo, explores the renewed interest in vitrified clay pipes and how builders’ merchants can offer drainage solutions that are in line with the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy.
The UK Government has released a new 10-year infrastructure strategy, rethinking how it funds and delivers infrastructure. This strategy prioritises smarter investments, good value for money and focuses less on constant expansion but more on strengthening existing assets.
It signals a move toward long-term planning and life cycle cost savings, ‘doing fewer things better instead of the same thing badly.’ Principles that align perfectly with the core strengths of vitrified clay pipes.
Solely made from natural raw materials like clay, chamotte and water, the clay vitrifies when fired at high temperatures. This gives the pipe its exceptional durability, density and resistance to corrosion without using additional chemicals or coatings.
Due to their robust nature, vitrified clay pipes require less frequent maintenance, repair and replacement compared to other materials. In fact, a Life Cycle Costing study by the Ceramic Research Centre of Bologna found that mullite, a mineral in vitrified clay, contributes to the high chemical resistance, durability and long-term stability.
As a result, vitrified clay pipes maintain consistent surface uniformity, with no increase in roughness and without degrading over time, making them a cost-effective long-term investment.
The research confirms that if the operational lifespan exceeds 40 years, vitrified clay pipes are the best investment, offering cost savings of up to 65% in the long run compared to alternative materials. Furthermore, our vitrified clay pipes also contain at least 30% recycled content, supporting the circular economy by minimising waste, extending product life cycles and promoting the reuse of valuable resources.
“In an era where the environmental sustainability of construction products is constantly under scrutiny, vitrified clay pipes offer a sustainable choice.”
A long-term solution
Vitrified clay pipes do not degrade over time or lose strength when exposed to chemicals commonly found in sewer systems such as hydrogen sulphide. Thanks to their durability, chemical resistance and long service life, vitrified clay pipes are commonly used across a wide range of wastewater and sewage systems. Their most common use is in sewer systems, where they are ideally suited for gravity-fed networks.
These drainage pipes can outlive the infrastructure around them, lasting more than 150 years in many cases. This makes vitrified clay pipes an ideal sustainable solution for demanding sewer and drainage systems, with the oldest vitrified clay pipe still in service 167 years and counting!
In an era where the environmental sustainability of construction products is constantly under scrutiny, vitrified clay pipes offer a sustainable choice. As they do not contain any harmful substances, they can be left in the ground without the fear of polluting the surroundings. They are 100% recyclable and enter the production cycle as a valuable raw material, minimising the environmental impact and avoiding waste.
The smooth internal surface of vitrified clay pipes reduces the risk of deposits and minimises friction, lowering life cycle costs for managing drainage systems. Their high strength and load-bearing capacity also make them well-suited for urban environments where heavy traffic and ongoing construction are common.
And with the ability to withstand static and dynamic loads, vitrified clay pipes are suitable for everything from shallow installations to deep sewer systems.
Vitrified clay pipes for the UK market
As a response to increased demand for more environmentally conscious drainage products and the need for greater choice, we have introduced our KERA vitrified clay pipes to the UK in a range of diameters from 100mm to 800mm. Specifically for the UK, we have also invested in retooling to produce DN150mm and DN225mm pipes and fittings with EPDM couplers compatible with Naylor Densleeve profiles.
More than ever, merchant customers are looking for high-quality solutions that stand the test of time. Offering vitrified clay pipes can give merchants a competitive edge, especially as the market responds to the new infrastructure strategy and the nation’s sustainability goals.
Steinzeug-Keramo is a Wienerberger company. Click here for more information on vitrified clay pipes.
