Avoiding pipeline failure

Concrete pipelines

When laying a pipeline, avoid concrete pipeline failure by:

eliminating bends, supporting horizontal and vertical pipelines to avoid extra loads on pipe clamps, securing 90° bends in pipes with legs clamped to ground
securing vertical lines to the building and not to cranes, hoist towers, scaffolding and formwork
checking all metal pipes and components to ensure they are not damaged and are within the specifications of the pipeline
ensuring flexible hoses are not at risk of being run over by other plant and equipment on site.

More detailed information on concrete pipeline failure is outlined in Section 4.1.3 of the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019 (PDF, 1.04 MB).

When using quick release pipe clamps on fixed lines, make sure that:

the pipe clamps used can maintain the maximum concrete pressure in the pipeline from the pump
the locking pins are used and engaged
quick release pipe clamps with no provision for locking pins are not used
all pipe clamps are regularly inspected and replaced if deformed or damaged
clamps are locked according to manufacturer's instructions and not by hammering the quick release clamp lever or other methods causing metal fatigue.

For more detailed information on avoiding concrete pipe clamp failure, check Section 4.1.3 of the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019 (PDF, 1.04 MB).

When inserting anchor brackets on the concrete delivery pipe the person conducting a business or undertaking should ensure that:

anchor brackets and tie downs should be used at no more than three metre intervals on the concrete delivery pipe, unless otherwise specified by a competent person
the number of bolts to secure an anchor bracket should be in accordance with the pump manufacturer's specifications or in accordance with advice from an engineer
when using friction type post installed anchors, these should be high-load slip, torque-controlled type with a factor of safety of three to one based on their failure load
chemical anchors are pull out load tested to 125 per cent of their working load with a factor of safety of three to one based on their failure load
securing pipes overhead (i.e. so that the bracket anchors are loaded in pure tension) with through bolts that extend through the concrete slab rather than post installed type anchors
if post installed type anchors are used overhead, they should all be pull out load tested to 125 per cent of their working load.

Where excessive pipe movement occurs in temporary laid lines due to surging action of the pump:

use extra anchorage methods to restrict line movement, especially at bends and elbows
install a short wire-braided high-pressure rubber hose, that meets the pressure rating of the pump, between concrete pump and pipelines in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

For more detailed information on anchor brackets and pipe movements, check Section 4.1.3 of the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019 (PDF, 1.04 MB).