Steel Multiplate Structures

Corrugated steel pipe was first developed and used for culverts in 1896. As experience was gained in the use of this thin-wall, lightweight, shop-fabricated pipe, the diameters gradually increased to 2.4m and larger. Fill heights became greater, even exceeding 30m. A further development, in 1931, was structural plate pipe with larger corrugations, for field assembly. Diameters and arch spans beyond 8m have been installed. Steel plate structures were complimented in 1962 by the addition of Corrugated Aluminium Plate Structures, introduced to the USA by Kaiser Aluminium with many thousands of successful structures now in service.

CSP Pacific is an experienced manufacturer of Steel Multiplates. However, these structures should be designed by a registered engineer.

Proven Durability

Field investigations under varying in-service conditions over the past 50 years have given ample evidence of both structural and material durability. For standard applications under 'normal' water conditions a steel corrosion rate along the invert of 0.03mm to 0.07mm per year may be used to estimate time to first perforation. However, it should be noted that several remedial measures can be specified either before or after first perforation to ensure a continuing and efficient in-service life.

In situations where water quality is questionable or abrasive conditions are expected, we strongly recommend the use of a concrete invert. For further information contact your CSP Pacific Sales Engineer.

Cost Benefits

A Steel Multiplate Structure installation can provide many material and labour cost advantages.

• Fast economical job completion.
• Low equipment costs for assembly due to very lightweight of average plate, i.e. less than 15Okg.
• Pre-assembly reduces inconvenience and cost to maintain existing services.
• No structural or coating damage during transportation, handling and storage.

Ease of Installation

Installation techniques offer very real benefits to specifiers in both normal and difficult situations. The easily handled corrugated plate system can be erected on-site - an ideal solution for remote areas where access is difficult - or delivered to site fully assembled if access and transport regulations allow, where fast job completion is vital.

The assembly of Multiplate Structures is relatively simple. However the project will require engineering supervision. Further, assembly requires little or no lifting equipment, due to the lightweight plates. For guidance on backfilling, refer to AS/NZS 2041:1998, which is available from CSP Pacific.

Installation manual (PDF 115 KB)

Application Versatility

The versatility of Multiplate Structures is limited only by engineering inventiveness. Traditional uses include culverts - small and large, bridges, storm drains, pedestrian and stock underpasses. However, other applications include mine and tunnel portal protection, conveyor housings, water tanks, caissons, underground storage facilities, and even wineries.

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