Pipe Manufacturers Design and Installation Support Schemes

There is continuing pressure within the U.K. for water companies to reduce costs whilst increasing levels of service to customers. Staff numbers within the water companies have been reduced leading to less site supervision by water company engineers and the letting of design and build contracts. The design and installation practices have a significant effect on the durability and hence service life of water pipelines. Two pipe manufacturers in the U.K. have recognised the benefits arising from a formal scheme to give designers and installers of their pipes the knowledge to ensure that pipelines are correctly designed and installed. This paper discusses how such schemes can help modern pipe materials compete against traditional materials.