Precast concrete headwalls are a versatile product that has several applications. They can be used in road and bridge construction, retaining walls, and other structures.
This blog post will look at some of the most common applications for precast headwalls. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using this product in these projects. If you’re considering using precast concrete headwalls in your next project, read on for more information!
What is a Precast Concrete?
Precast concrete is reinforced concrete that is cast off-site and erected on-site. Some come in regular shapes and dimensions, such as tees, double-tees, and floor and roof planks.
Otherwise, precast concrete can be made in any shape and dimension. Much manufacturing should be consistent with statics laws, material strength, and stiffness. It also includes the limits imposed by formwork, transportation, handling, and erection.
What are Precast Concrete Headwalls?
A concrete headwall is a sewage outlet that permits flow from upstream pipework. It discharges into an open watercourse such as a river, pond, swale, or ditch.
Headwalls work well with wing walls. They are often paired to work with the conduit to form a dependable and functioning permanent structure. A variety of attachments, including flap valves, penstocks, grates, and hand railing, can be installed or supplied with headwall systems. Precast concrete headwalls can be categorized by:
- Free-standing headwalls
- Free-standing wing walls
- Parapets
- Precast aprons
Headwalls are available in sizes ranging from 225mm to 2550mm. They can be made in a multi-cell pipe and multi-cell headwalls to accommodate an infinite number of cells.
Precast Concrete Headwall Applications
That’s why headwalls are constructed to protect and secure the terminals of water management pipelines. It also securely directs severe stormwater flow to appropriate regions while preventing road damage. They can also improve safety.
Concrete headwalls can also be used as inlets to surface water management systems. It absorbs flow from a watercourse or open channel and transports it downstream via an underground conduit. Other applications are as follows:
- Inlet and exit of a detention pond
- The driveway culvert comes to an end
- A component of a bridge
- The flow must be routed through or out of a conduit
- The soil barrier that surrounds the pipe must be preserved
- Exposed pipe ends endanger traffic
- The conduit either enters or exits the finished grade
- The appearance of the pipe end is critical
Advantages of Precast Concrete Headwalls
There are many advantages to using precast concrete headwalls. Precast concrete headwalls provide several advantages over in-situ concrete headwalls.
First, off-site manufacturing principles are used to construct precast concrete headwalls. Second, they are safer to build than in-site and may be deployed rapidly, decreasing construction time and installation costs.
According to the National Precast Concrete Association, precast has a fixed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of $2,400. However, the TCO of in-site casting starts at $1,400, and it can still go up.
Third, precast concrete headwalls reduce construction time, resulting in lower costs. Fourth, it eliminates the need to excavate large amounts of the dam. In-site casting and construction may necessitate extensive infrastructures. As a result, the fifth advantage of precast concrete headwalls is more environmentally friendly.
Seventh, precast concrete is sturdy and long-lasting, giving asset owners a reassuringly long service life and low total life costs. Eighth, precast concrete is a low-carbon, sustainable material manufactured from locally sourced materials. These materials may be recycled at the end.
Features of Precast Concrete Headwalls
Precast concrete headwalls are packed with useful features. Some of these are:
- Can be tailor-fitted to a specific need
- Headwalls can be swiftly installed and positioned, which is especially useful in changeable flow, such as the time restrictions of tidal flows
- Structure to prevent erosion
- The installation provides immediate stability at the outfall site
- Aids in reducing erosion at discharge into an open water stream.
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance
- There is no requirement for shuttering or on-site concrete
- Produced in a high-quality factory-controlled environment
- Standard designs are accepted by all municipalities and cities
- Strong and long-lasting, and capable of protecting against crushed pipelines
Installation
Keep the following in consideration while installing headwalls or outlet structures:
- Precast concrete headwalls or outlet structures are manufactured in advance.
- Excavation, leveling, and backfilling are required for the installation
- A crane and a small work crew are required for installation
- Ahold must be built to accept the pipe
- The headwall or outlet structure will be installed using a crane
Wrapping Up
Precast concrete headwalls have tons of applications and benefits. They can support utilities, control erosion, and stabilize slopes. Because they are strong and durable, they have become popular choices for many projects.
