Pipes undergroud during driveway project

[Mpope13]

Hi There,

We are currently digging up our grass to start our gravel drive project. We have exposed what appears to be a rain water drain pip running across the fron of the house, there is an exposed manhole cover approx 3 metres to the left which appears to serve this pipe, The pipe is about 18inches down from the grass surface, I am wondering if we continue with the Gravel drive project do we need to reinforce the Clay pipe, i have currently uncovered a section about a 1-1.5 metres and can see that two black joint connector peices.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Yes, it will need to be encased in concrete at that depth, weight of any vehicle passing over it will cause the pipe to crack otherwise!

 

[Mpope13]

when you say encased, totally dig away all around it and pour the cement in and around it?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You'll need to dig to expose at least the top half, and some space either side. Concrete is a mix of sand and stones (known as ballast), and cement. Use a fairly high cement content and minimal water for strength, then you'll need to haunch the concrete over the pipe in a semi circular method to provide a bridge to take the weight of any vehicles off the pipe below.

 

[Nige F]

Good answer Hugh - what are your thoughts on some glassfibre insulation over the top of the pipe so it forms a cushion for the concrete that bridges it .

 

[jeff the gasman]

Just to test that theory Nige.
Get some fibreglass and put it on top of your shoe, then get the wife to drive your car over your foot. Discuss the results at A and E
Jeff

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Didn't want to complicate the issue Nige! Some concrete better than nothing!