The most important things first
Plastic is in civil engineering strongly a system solution, not just a single component. Pipes, shafts as well as retention and infiltration systems can be coordinated to achieve technical, economic and long-term benefits. Especially plastic shafts score where adaptability, maintenance and operation reliability are required.
At Jansen AG we repeatedly see in practice that the quality of a civil engineering project depends on the interaction of the components. Especially for underground infrastructures, the material is not the only important factor, but also how well pipelines, shafts and storage solutions are planned together. That is where plastic material delivers its greatest benefit.
Why is plastic in civil engineering so relevant?
Components embedded in the soil are permanently exposed to loads from soil and traffic, moisture, wastewater and chemical influences. Plastic systems are suitable because they are corrosion resistant, relatively light and versatile. Added are smooth surfaces, good hydraulic properties and low maintenance.
- low weight and easy handling
- high corrosion and chemical resistance
- absolute system tightness
- good hydraulic properties
- flexible and project-specific solutions
- low maintenance and upkeep
- long service life
- recyclability
What role do pipe systems play?
Pipes are the backbone of many drainage and infrastructure solutions. Plastic pipes made of PE and PP convince with smooth, non-porous inner surfaces and are resistant to many chemical influences in the wastewater area. Welded PE pipe systems also enable fusing connections when high tightness requirements are in the foreground.
On the construction site, another advantage becomes apparent: the light weight facilitates transport, handling and laying. This allows installation sequences to be simplified and costs to be noticeably reduced.
What are plastic shafts particularly suitable for?
Plastic shafts play important interface roles in civil engineering. They enable inspection and maintenance, connect pipelines and can be executed as control, inspection, pumping, valve or collection shafts depending on the project. Their strength lies in adaptability to the specific construction project.
Dimensions, connections, channels and fittings can be designed project-specifically. Smooth surfaces support drainage and facilitate cleaning and maintenance, while corrosion-resistant materials contribute to operational safety.
| Shaft type | Typical function | Planning advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Control and inspection shaft | Access for inspection and maintenance | Easier monitoring of the pipeline |
| Pump shaft | Pumping water in defined systems | Flexible integration into plants |
| Valve shaft | Housing technical installations | Good accessibility of components |
| Collection shaft | Bundling of multiple pipelines | Order in the pipeline network |
| Special shaft | Solution for project-specific requirements | High adaptability |
How does rainwater management work with plastic?
With increasing heavy rainfall events, intelligent rainwater management becomes more important. Instead of simply discharging rainfall water quickly, it is now more often retained, stored, infiltrated or fed into another use. Modular retention and infiltration systems made of plastic create underground storage space for this purpose.
Depending on the design, rainwater can be temporarily stored and discharged in a throttled manner or infiltrated into the subsoil in a controlled manner. The modular construction allows adaptation to different areas, storage volumes and local conditions, also under parking lots, traffic areas or green spaces.
Why is plastic also economically worthwhile?
In civil engineering projects, not only the material price counts. Transport, machine use, installation, operation and maintenance also influence the total costs over the entire life cycle. Prefabricated components and fittings can speed up installation and often reduce heavy machinery usage.
From my experience, the economic advantage becomes especially visible where projects are planned with a long-term view. Corrosion-resistant materials, smooth surfaces and low upkeep pay off over the service life, which for suitable systems can exceed 50 years and under favorable conditions even over 100 years.
What does this mean for sustainability and longevity?
Sustainability should always be considered across the entire life cycle in civil engineering, from production to transport to decommissioning. Thermoplastic plastics like PE and PP are generally recyclable if suitable production scrap, pipe sections and materials from decommissioning projects are collected, sorted and processed. This way plastic systems combine technical requirements with a circular approach.
For Jansen AG, this interaction is central: technical consulting, system thinking and practical solutions interlock. Those who plan pipes, shafts and supplementary systems early as a system create infrastructure that functions permanently and remains economical.
Frequently asked questions
Where does plastic make the most sense in civil engineering?
Are plastic shafts suitable for complex projects?
How long can a plastic system last in civil engineering?
Can plastic be used sustainably in civil engineering?
Plastic in civil engineering today is much more than a pipe material. It enables durable, economical and adaptable solutions, especially where plastic shafts and pipe systems are considered together. Those who plan the components early as a system create the basis for robust infrastructures with a long service life.
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Jansen AG, Oberriet SG