HardiePipe Myth Busters

Its time to clear things up! Over the years there has been much confusion in the market about HardiePipe concrete pipes - aka FRC. Much of this confusion has been fuelled by myths and rumours relating toproduct performancewhich has cast doubt into the minds of designers, contractors and authorities.

James Hardie is setting the record straight! Below are some of the common myths followed by the plain and simple truth. We stand behind our product's years of service and performance and back this up with decades of testing, research and performance.

Myth - HardiePipe is not a RCP

Fact - This is not true. HardiePipe is a fibre reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) which is class-for-class equivalent to steel reinforced concrete pipe (SRC). HardiePipe is designed and installed in accordance with AS/NZS3725 which is the standard that governs installation of RCP products in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike traditional steel reinforced concrete pipe HardiePipe is reinforced with a unique fibre reinforcement which gives it it's unique flexibility and light weight characteristics.

Myth - HardiePipe is not as strong as SRC

Fact – This is False! In fact one can argue it is stronger.Australian Standard 4139 requires HardiePipe to be tested to an ultimate load which is 30% higher than the corresponding load for SRC. Both HardiePipe and SRC pipe are class or class equivalent and are tested using the exact same method.

Myth - HardiePipe is weak when it gets wet

Fact – HardiePipe is similar to SRC in that its saturated strength is lower than its dry strength. However, this fact has already been taken into account by the Standard governing manufacture, design and installation i.e. it is assumed that the pipe will be fully saturated for its entire service life. In fact, long-term R&D testing has shown a strength increase for HardiePipe when fully immersed in water over many years.

Myth - HardiePipe has weak joints

Fact –Traditionally HardiePipe has been manufactured with an in-wall rubber ring joint. This joint is slightly more susceptible to damage during handling if care is not taken. Today, HardiePipe + is also available which has a thicker spigotend and a robust collared socket at the otherend. HardiePipe + is less susceptible to joint damage during handling and installation. Additionally, testing has demonstrated that this joint has very high joint shear properties.

Myth - HardiePipe can easily get damaged during construction

Fact – If not handled with care any product can be damaged during construction – HardiePipe is no exception. It is important that proper unloading, handling and installation practices are followed. When installed correctly HardiePipe performs very well during the construction phase thanks to its high load carrying capacity.

Myth - HardiePipe is not durable and will not last

Fact – This is completely false. HardiePipe concrete pipes are designed to achieve a 100 year design life when installed in accordance with AS/NZS3725. Because HardiePipe does not contain steel reinforcement and is a chemically stable material low in free lime it does not corrode and has very high resistance to sulphates and chlorides making it ideal for marine grade applications.