Polymer concrete pipe

Polymer concrete pipe is a composite drainage material made from mineral aggregate bonded with a polyester, epoxy or vinyl ester resin rather than ordinary cement. The result is a pipe with significantly higher tensile and compressive strength than plain concrete and excellent resistance to chemical attack. UK installations follow BS EN 14636 and are commonly specified for industrial wastewater, highway and airport drainage where conventional concrete would suffer rapid deterioration. Pipes are supplied in diameters from 150mm upwards with flexible socketed joints sealed by elastomeric rings. Polymer concrete is identifiable by its smooth, often dark interior and clean section profile. While rare on domestic drainage, the material is used in selected Thames Water infrastructure projects and on industrial sites across Greater London where aggressive effluent flows require enhanced material performance.