What Weight Can Twinwall Pipe Hold?

Twin wall pipe is renowned for its durability, but when it comes to weight bearing, you might be wondering: just how much can it hold? Let’s delve into the details with this handy guide. 

Understanding Twin Wall Pipe Strength

Twinwall pipes are known for their unique structure, consisting of two high-density polyethylene (HDPE) walls – an inner smooth wall for optimal flow and an outer corrugated wall for added strength. This design not only provides excellent water flow but also offers significant resistance to external pressures.

However, the weight capacity isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors influence how much weight a twin wall pipe can handle:

• Load-Bearing Capacity: The load-bearing capacity of a twin wall pipe depends on several factors, including the diameter of the pipe and the material used in its construction. Generally, twin wall pipes range in size from 110mm to 600mm for various applications, from garden drainage to driveway use. Larger diameters are capable of handling more weight because of their greater surface area and increased rigidity.
• Installation and Soil Bedding: Proper installation is crucial for maximising the load-bearing capacity of twin wall pipes. They must be installed in a trench and backfilled with gravel to ensure even distribution of weight and stability. When installed correctly, twin wall pipes can withstand substantial loads, making them suitable for areas with heavy traffic or under pavements.

Twinwall Pipe Specifications

Below is some information about the different sizes of twin wall pipes that we offer:

Ring stiffness measures the force required to deform the pipe by a specified amount, so essentially any force larger than 6 KN/m² could cause potential deformation to the pipe.

For further information on our larger-size twin wall drainage, please contact our team.

Applications and Considerations

Twinwall pipes are versatile and can be used in a range of scenarios, from agricultural fields to airports and railways. They are particularly favoured in situations where the ground may experience movement or where impact resistance is necessary. 

Our twin wall pipes range in diameter from 150mm to 600mm and are available in a variety of lengths. They are all BBA/HPAS certified and suitable for use in various applications, such as agricultural, civil, and sports fields. The certification ensures that the pipes have been evaluated for their structural integrity and long-term reliability. For any project that requires the use of twin wall drainage pipes, especially in critical applications like road construction, it’s important to choose products that carry the BBA/HPAS certification to ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Manufacturers typically provide load-bearing capacities based on pipe size and class rating (SN rating) for larger diameters over 600mm. These ratings are determined through rigorous testing and ensure the pipe meets specific strength requirements. For example, a typical SN4 twin wall pipe in a larger diameter might be suitable for pedestrian walkways, while a higher-rated SN8 pipe would be a better choice for driveways or areas with heavier traffic flow.

It’s important to choose the right size and type of twin wall pipe for your specific project to ensure it can handle the expected load. If you're unsure about the ideal pipe for your project, contact us today to discuss more about your project!