In recent years, Belgian and Dutch sewer pipe manufacturers have all moved from traditional reinforcement to steel fiber reinforcement. Why is that?
Precast sewer pipe manufacturers in the Netherlands and Belgium have been looking for ways to speed up production and improve profitability. Reinforcing sewer pipes with steel mesh or rebar is a timeconsuming process: involving the design, construction and storage of cages, and then the installation of these cages within the formwork. Sustainability is also becoming an increasing issue with governments purchasing sewer pipes.
Most have now moved to Dramix® steel fiber reinforcement for their precast sewer pipes instead of steel mesh and rebar. Production time is approximately halved, and as the use of steel fiber is less labor-intensive, employees can be transferred to other tasks. Depending on the pipe size and characteristics, the Dramix® portfolio offers the right fiber to reach optimal performance. Galvanized steel fibers are a solution for those manufacturers who are looking for the longevity and quality for their pipes. Finally, Dramix® steel fibers for concrete reinforcement contain significantly less steel in weight, which reduces the footprint of every precast project.