What Is a Profile Wall Pipe?

Types

• According to the "Handbook of PVC Pipe,” common pipe profiles (for example, surfaces) include concentric or annular-ribbed profiles and dual-wall corrugated profiles. These manufacturing types fall under open-profile wall pipes. The corrugations and shapes present along an annular-ribbed or concentric pipe's surface can be either solid or hollow. These ribs also reinforce the pipe's overall shape and structure. Dual-wall corrugation involves connecting the inner and outer walls of the pipe using heat. The interior wall features a smooth surface, and the exterior wall features ribs and corrugations similar to annular-ribbed profiles. Closed profile wall pipes are helically ribbed and either have a smooth internal and outer surface or a smooth interior surface and ribbed exterior surface.

Performance Factors

• Profile wall pipes must perform according to different criteria used to measure structural effectiveness. Engineers, builders and consumers look at a profile wall pipe’s structural ability to handle and support loads. They also evaluate performance based on the pipe’s ability to handle significant amounts of stress and resist buckling. Other evaluation criteria for performance standards include the pipe’s water capacity, beam strength, abrasion performance and protection against environmental stress.

Limitations

• Occasionally, profile wall pipes structurally fail due to factors including over-deflection, reverse curvature and buckling. These structural failures are distortions, cracks and other structural failures that can threaten the stability of the pipe. For example, over-deflection is caused by excessive soil loads that surround flexible pipes made from metal or plastic. As a result, the pipe's shape is distorted beyond its ability to efficiently support the load. This reduces hydraulic capabilities, limits mechanical means for pipe cleaning and causes leakage.

Considerations

• According to pipe and box culvert manufacturer Rinker Materials, profile wall pipes with smooth outer surfaces may be perceived as being of higher quality than profile wall pipes with irregular surfaces. However, builders and purchasers should evaluate the dimensional reliability -- that is, compliance with quality standards based on the evaluation of random samples of the pipe -- of both the exterior walls and interior surfaces prior to evaluating performance. Examining and measuring random samples that show different cross-sections of the profile wall pipe can verify if the product meets quality and safety standards.