Top-ranked material
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Jacking Pipe Selection Matrix DECISION TOOL
Weighted multi-criteria comparison: RCP · RCCP · CC-GRP · lined & hybrid options · five application contexts
How the matrix works
Eight pipe material options are scored against twelve evaluation criteria. Each criterion has a fixed score per material (0–10, higher = better) reflecting the inherent material characteristics — these are based on Empire's engineering judgement and industry experience. The user adjusts the importance weighting (1–10) of each criterion based on the project context. The total score for each material is the sum of (importance × material score) across all active criteria for the chosen application.
- Application context selects which criteria are relevant. Stormwater uses 7 criteria; Gravity Sewer uses 11 (adds H₂S, corrosion resistance, hot-flow, hydrocarbon); Pressure Sewer uses 12 (adds pressure capability); Pressure Water uses 8; Encasement uses 6.
- Material scores are fixed per criterion — they reflect material properties, not project conditions. Capital expenditure scores are inverted: lower-cost materials score higher (RCP = 10, RCCP-with-VE-liner = 2).
- Importance weights are project-specific — the user's judgement of what matters most. Defaults shown for each application reflect typical Australian water-utility priorities; override per project.
- Total score = Σ(importance × score) across selected criteria. Maximum theoretical score = 10 × N_criteria × 10 = 100·N (e.g. 700 for stormwater's 7 criteria).
- Disable specific materials via the toggles — useful when manufacturer availability or asset-owner standards exclude an option.
- Capital expenditure scoring is relative (RCP cheapest = 10, RCCP-VE-lined most expensive = 2). Actual project costs depend on diameter, drive length, and procurement market — confirm with current quotations.
- Materials evaluated: RCP (steel-reinforced concrete), RCP+HDPE liner, RCCP (steel-cylinder concrete), RCCP+HDPE liner, CC-GRP (BOSSPIPE), CC-GRP+VE liner, Hybrid RCP+GRP liner, Hybrid RCP/GRP+VE liner. Other options (DICL, CIPP, structural fibres) not modelled in v0.1.
- The matrix is a screening tool, not a structural or hydraulic design tool. Final pipe selection must confirm DN/SN sizing per AS/NZS 2566.1 and AS/NZS 3725, jacking-load capacity per DWA-A 161, and local installation/handling logistics.
1. Choose application context
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2. Adjust importance weights
Sliders 1 (low) to 10 (high). Defaults reflect typical priorities for the chosen application.
3. Materials to compare
4. Recommended material
Total score per material = Σ(importance × material score) across active criteria.
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Material ranking
Comparative score chart
Detailed score breakdown criteria × materials grid
Caveats. This is a screening / decision-support tool. The fixed material scores represent typical material characteristics and Empire's engineering judgement; they are not meant to replace project-specific evaluation. Capital expenditure scores are relative — actual project costs vary with diameter, drive length, project schedule and procurement environment. The matrix does not check structural sizing (use Empire's Open-Cut and Curved Drive calculators for that), hydraulic capacity, or compatibility with specific manufacturer products. The "Hybrid" options refer to dual-material constructions (e.g., RCP shell with internal GRP liner) — manufacturer availability varies by region and DN.
References & sources:
- Empire Infrastructure — Jacking Pipe Selection Matrix (internal methodology, May 2026)
- AS/NZS 2566.1:1998 — Buried flexible pipelines, structural design
- AS/NZS 3725:2007 — Design for installation of buried concrete pipes
- AS/NZS 4058:2007 — Precast concrete pipes
- WSAA WSA 04-2005 — Sewerage Code of Australia (pipe material selection guidance)
- WSAA WSA 03-2011 — Water Supply Code of Australia
- Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia (CPAA) — Material comparison guidance
- BOSSPIPE Material Constant Table — chemical and corrosion resistance data
