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Drainage Systems

Why vitrified clay pipes remain a proven choice for open-cut and trenchless projects

Building Products Index Ltd Clay Pipes, Pipes Leave a Comment

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Designed for long-term network performance

Urban infrastructure projects have never been more demanding. Traffic disruption, environmental scrutiny, rising costs and tighter programme schedules mean that material selection plays an increasingly important role in long-term network performance.

Steinzeug-Keramo vitrified clay pipes provide a proven and reliable solution for both open-cut and trenchless sewer construction.

Why vitrified clay pipes?

Vitrified clay pipes have been used in sewer and drainage systems for centuries because of their durability, structural stability and resistance to aggressive wastewater environments. Steinzeug-Keramo’s KERA system offers exceptional properties that make it uniquely suited to both trenchless and open-cut installation:

  • Resistant to chemical attacks, acids and aggressive ground conditions
  • Environmentally responsible, made from natural materials and fully recyclable
  • Built to last with lifespans exceeding 150 years
  • High load-bearing capacity ideal for heavy traffic zones
  • Low lifecycle costs offering up to 65% savings

As a rigid material, vitrified clay maintains its shape independently of surrounding soil conditions, supporting consistent gradients without deformation during or after installation.

The full KERA range is manufactured in accordance with BS EN 295.

Reliable performance in aggressive wastewater environments

Sewer and wastewater environments are among the most chemically aggressive. Steinzeug-Keramo vitrified clay pipes are chemically inert across the full pH range (0–14), delivering reliable performance over the long term.

The vitrified clay pipes are highly resistant to

  • Acidic and chemically aggressive water conditions
  • Hydrogen sulphide gases generated by organic waste decomposition
  • Industrial effluents containing heavy metals and organic solvents
  • Salt-laden environments near coastal installations

Stable hydraulic performance over time

Hydraulic efficiency is critical to the long-term effectiveness of any drainage system. Our KERA range of vitrified clay pipes deliver consistently excellent flow characteristics:

  • Smooth internal surface with low wall roughness values
  • Consistent hydraulic performance over decades – vitrified clay does not roughen due to corrosion or biological growth
  • High resistance to abrasion and surface degradation
  • Resistant to high-pressure flushing and jetting

Did you know? Independent research conducted by Project Hub 360 confirms that if the operational lifespan exceeds 40 years, which is the case with the vast majority of sewer systems, vitrified clay pipes are the best investment from an economic standpoint.

AT A GLANCE: VITRIFIED CLAY PIPE SOLUTIONS FROM STEINZEUG-KERAMO:

KERA.Base and KERA.Pro for open-cut installation

KERA.Base and KERA.Pro are Steinzeug-Keramo’s vitrified clay pipe systems for conventional open-cut sewer construction and rehabilitation.

The range is available in diameters from DN100 to DN800 and supports system consistency across new-build, extension and rehabilitation projects.

Compatible joints, fittings and system components are available throughout the range, supporting long-term performance, reduced maintenance requirements and whole-life value.

KERA.Drive for trenchless installation

KERA.Drive is Steinzeug-Keramo’s vitrified clay jacking pipe system for trenchless installation methods.

Available in diameters from DN150 to DN600, KERA.Drive is manufactured in accordance with BS-EN 295-7.

Key features include:

  • Exceptional compressive strength: Up to 100 N/mm², providing outstanding longitudinal compression resistance during jacking
  • Leak-tight joint systems designed for safe, controlled jacking with precise alignment
  • No creep deformation under long-term loading – a rigid material that ensures dimensional stability
  • Reliable performance under jacking loads supports controlled installation conditions
  • Comprehensive accessory range – connectors, short pipes and special components for flexible on-site configuration
Did you know? Pipe jacking operations can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75%compared with conventional open-cut methods, while also minimising surface disruption in urban environments. This makes trenchless clay pipe installations an attractive option for environmentally conscious developers and utility companies.

(Source: Pipe Jacking Association — 600 mm diameter pipeline at 500 m length x 6 m deep. CO2 saving: 367.8 tonnes)

 

Find Out More About the KERA system

To contact Steinzeug-Keramo, email our Country Manager UK: leon.woods@wienerberger.com or visit Steinzeug-Keramo.com to explore the full KERA range.

 

Hepworth Clay releases new one-stop-shop guide for designers and specifiers

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

View the Hepworth Clay entry on BPindex

Visit the Hepworth Clay website

Wavin has launched its new Hepworth Clay specification and design guide to support designers and specifiers in choosing drainage solutions and adhering to the latest legislation and standards.

bpinewsimageguideThe new guide includes advice and tips on designing drainage layout, along with guidance on site access point positioning for future maintenance considerations. Designers and contractors will also be able to use the guide as a reference point for confirming that their plans are structurally satisfactory and for advice on how to ensure the suggested system has adequate hydraulic capacity for proposed and future flows.

The design section of the also gives a first look at the new BS 9295 (just released) standard regarding recycled aggregates for bedding clay pipes, providing tips and advice on how to best take advantage of recycled aggregates to increase sustainability of a project without increasing risk.

bpinewsimagepipegroupPaul Wydell, Hepworth Clay Product Manager  Wavin, said: “The new guide provides much more than product details and installation information – we’ve designed it to be a helpful reference point that will help designers and specifiers transfer designs from the page to the site. It will help you every step of the way from concept to commissioning.”

The guide contains sample texts to help with easier and more accurate specification of clay drainage as well as technical notes on working with difficult site conditions. This helps to reduce reliance on specifications that have been copied from previous drawings and documentation with simple to use specification clauses.

bpinewsimagepipePaul added: “It’s a tool for both those that are familiar with the subject but need to update their reference material and those who are recently qualified engineers who need to build their knowledge and experience quickly and accurately. Essentially, it’s a guide that will protect the reputation of your client, the practice and yourself all rolled in to one.”

To download the guide or request a hardcopy, visit: guide.hepworthclay.co.uk

For more information on Hepworth Clay visit  www.hepworthclay.co.uk or email drainage@hepworth.co.uk