Drainage pipes underground are pipes laid underground for the transportation of liquids, gases or loose solids. The main purpose of these pipes is to transport sewage and rainwater from the source to sewage treatment plants or rivers, reservoirs and other places. They usually operate under gravity and there is no pressure in the pipe. Underground drainage pipes are made of various materials, including but not limited to plastics, metals, etc. The choice of specific materials depends on the use environment and functional requirements of the pipes. Construction methods include hot-melt butt, electric fusion connection, flange connection, socket connection and welding connection to ensure the safety and efficient operation of the pipes.
1. PVC pipe: PVC Drainage pipe is a common underground drainage pipe material. It has the advantages of chemical corrosion resistance, easy installation and low cost. PVC pipes are usually used in outdoor drainage, chemical sewage discharge and other fields, and its service life can reach 50 to 70 years.
2. HDPE pipe: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is also a commonly used underground drainage pipe material. HDPE pipe has the characteristics of corrosion resistance, wear resistance and pressure resistance, and is suitable for various harsh environments. Its expected service life can reach 50 to 100 years.
3. Cast iron pipe: Cast iron pipe is also a choice for underground drainage pipes because of its strong corrosion resistance and long service life. Cast iron pipes operate stably under high pressure and are not easy to break, but they need to be handled carefully during installation.
4. When choosing materials for underground drainage pipes, factors such as the purpose of the pipe, environmental conditions, and budget should also be considered. For example, for drainage systems that need to withstand greater pressure, cast iron pipes or HDPE pipes may be better choices; while for general outdoor drainage, PVC pipes are more economical. In addition, following relevant design specifications and standards is also the key to ensuring pipe performance and service life.
In ancient times, as early as the Stone Age, people began to use stone pipes for drainage. Subsequently, copper pipes, ceramic pipes, wooden pipes, bamboo pipes, etc. gradually appeared for different drainage and water supply needs. For example, in ancient Egypt, about 4,500 years ago, archaeologists discovered copper water pipes in the Egyptian pyramids, which were used for bathrooms inside the pyramids and irrigation pipe systems. In China, about 4,300 years ago, the ancient city of Pingliangtai in Huaiyang, Henan Province, had already used ceramic underground drainage pipes, marking the transition of drainage facilities from the primitive drainage stage to a more advanced era.
From the Middle Ages to modern times, with the development of cities and the growth of population, drainage systems have become more complex. In ancient Rome, the Idallarians began to use rock-built channel systems around the 6th century BC to drain torrents caused by heavy rains from the city of Rome. The largest of these channel systems has a cross-section of 3.34 meters and leads from the ancient Roman Forum to the Tiber River. In addition, London's drainage system was also established in the mid-19th century, related to the rampant cholera, to solve the problem of urban sewage and rainwater. The London sewer project was completed in 1865, with a total length of 2,000 kilometers and concrete brick walls.
In the modern period, with the advancement of materials science and engineering technology, the materials and designs of drainage pipes underground have become more diverse. There are many types of modern underground pipes, including circular, elliptical, semi-elliptical, multi-circular, oval, rectangular and other cross-sectional forms, and they are built with materials such as steel, cast iron, concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, brick, stone, asbestos cement, clay, plastic, and fiberglass (reinforced plastic). The development of these modern materials and technologies has greatly improved the efficiency and quality of drainage systems.
