Concrete Casting News from the Hill and Griffith Company

The American Concrete Pipe Association's PPT, "Pre & Post Pour Inspections" contains information on Documentation, Pre-Pour Inspection of Equipment & Reinforcement, and Post-Pour Inspection of Stripping, Handling, Visual & Dimensions 

This is an excellent presentation of all the steps involved in producing high-quality concrete pipe. 


Go to this link to download the PowerPoint.

Download a PDF.

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Pre-Pour Inspection - Form Release: Application methods, brush, spray; How much is enough??, Too Little, Too Much, Affects concrete finish, may affect curing

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Pre-Pour Inspection - Form Release: Barrier (non-reactive); Examples, Petroleum-based diesel, heating oils, used crankcase oil;

Advantages, Creates a physical barrier between form and fresh concrete;

Disadvantages, Need heavy application for easy release (200-400 ft2/gal), Can cause staining and bugholes, May not meet VOC requirements, Can cause buildup on forms

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Pre-Pour Inspection - Form Release: Chemically Reactive; Examples, Fatty acids (vegetable and mineral oils) are chemically reactive agents that combine with calcium in fresh cement paste to produce a soap-like film between the concrete and the form;

Advantages, Prevents bonding of concrete to form, Ultra-thin Layer (Approximately 0.005”), Reduce bugholes, stains, dusting, Typically meets VOC requirements (verify)

Disadvantages, Typically more costly per gallon

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Pre-Pour Inspection - Seasoning

1. Remove protective coating to prevent staining, sticking, poor finish

• Wear off during production
• Solvents
• Grind
• Blast

2. Apply high fatty acid concentrate release agent; Let it react (forms metallic soap barrier). If using a barrier agent, use it for seasoning.

3. Ideally allow 24-hr sit-time

4. Apply release agent

5. Put into use

The American Concrete Pipe Association was originally conceived in 1907 by a small group of concrete farm drain tile manufacturers as the Interstate Cement Tile Manufacturers Association in Ames, Iowa.

The group needed some means of exchanging ideas and establishing a high quality, standardized products. In 1914, the organization was renamed the American Concrete Pipe Association. Throughout the 20th century, the concrete pipe industry has experienced tremendous growth. As more and more people moved from farms to cities, it created increased demand for concrete sewer and drainage products. The introduction of the automobile and subsequent highway development extended the uses of concrete pipe storm drains and culverts. There are currently over 400 plants operated by ACPA members in the United States and Canada. Over 40 countries are represented in the membership of the American Concrete Pipe Association. ACPA’s international headquarters are located in Irving, Texas USA.

Precast Concrete Manufacturing Resources from the American Concrete Pipe Association

14 Reasons to Choose Concrete Pipe

Concrete Pipe Design Manual

Concrete Pipe Specifications

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