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MSCL Water main Estimates
Steel pipes are an essential part of water main infrastructure, commonly used in underbores, road crossings, and handle bars, as well as standard pipeline runs where strength and durability are required. Unlike lightweight materials like PVC, steel pipes are heavy, require machinery for lifting and placement, and involve more complex jointing methods.
The two most commonly used types of steel pipes in water main construction are:
- DICL (Ductile Iron Cement Lined) Pipes
- MSCL (Mild Steel Cement Lined) Pipes
Each type has specific installation requirements, jointing methods, and applications based on design specifications.
DICL Pipes (Ductile Iron Cement Lined)
DICL pipes are widely used in water main installations due to their strength, ease of handling compared to MSCL, and availability of pre-manufactured fittings.
Jointing Method: Rubber Ring Joint (RRJ)
- DICL pipes use rubber ring joints, making installation faster compared to welding-based systems.
- Each pipe has a socket (collar) end and a spigot end.
- The spigot end of one pipe slides into the socket end of the next pipe, where a rubber ring inside the socket provides a watertight seal.
- This system eliminates the need for on-site welding, reducing installation time and costs.
Fittings & Components
- DICL pipelines require bends, tees, reducers, and valve connections, all of which are readily available from suppliers like Viadux.
- These pre-manufactured fittings make DICL an efficient choice for projects where design flexibility and speed of installation are priorities.
Weight & Handling
- While DICL is heavier than PVC, it is still manageable with smaller excavators and lifting equipment compared to MSCL.
- For larger diameter pipes (e.g., 300mm and above), mechanical lifting is required.
PE Sleeving
- Some projects require DICL pipes to be wrapped in a polyethylene (PE) sleeve for corrosion protection.
- The entire pipe may need to be sleeved, or in some cases, only the joints need wrapping.
- The specific wrapping requirement depends on design specifications and project conditions.
Application in Water Main Installations
- DICL is commonly used in normal pipeline runs, especially along live roads, where quick installation and standard fittings are advantageous.
- It is also used in handle bars, where reinforcement and protection are required.
- For water mains exceeding 300mm in diameter, DICL is generally preferred over PVC due to its strength.
MSCL Pipes (Mild Steel Cement Lined)
MSCL pipes are heavier, stronger, and more durable than DICL, making them suitable for high-pressure applications, underbores, and critical infrastructure installations.
Jointing Method: Welding
- Unlike DICL pipes, which rely on rubber ring joints, MSCL pipes must be welded at every joint.
- This requires a qualified welder on-site for joining straight lengths, bends, tees, reducers, and fittings.
- The welding process is time-consuming and requires strict quality control to ensure watertight and structurally sound joints.
Weight & Handling
- MSCL pipes are significantly heavier than DICL pipes and require large excavators or cranes for lifting.
- When multiple lengths of MSCL pipes are welded together, they must be lifted and lowered into the trench evenly to prevent bending or damage.
- Depending on pipe length and diameter, multiple machines may be required for safe handling.
Application in Water Main Installations
MSCL pipes are commonly used in:
- Underbores – MSCL is preferred for cased and uncased underbores, where welding ensures a strong, continuous pipeline.
- Road Crossings – Due to its durability and ability to withstand external loads.
- Handle Bars – Where pipes cross over or under existing services and require reinforcement.
- Large-Diameter Water Mains – When pipe sizes exceed 300mm to 1200mm, MSCL is often specified for its structural integrity.
Long Section Profiles & Precision in Steel Pipe Installation
Steel water mains, especially DICL installations along roads, are designed using long section profiles, which provide:
- Chainages (distance markers along the pipeline run)
- Depth levels at each chainage
- Coordinates for precise pipe placement
Pipes must be installed exactly as per the design, ensuring correct invert levels and alignments at each chainage. This process is slower and more meticulous than standard trenching, requiring careful planning of excavation and backfilling.
For DICL pipelines, cutting pipes to suit specific lengths can be time-consuming, especially for larger diameters. The bigger the pipe, the longer it takes to cut, fit, and install.
Summary of Key Differences: DICL vs. MSCL
| Feature | DICL Pipes | MSCL Pipes |
|---|---|---|
| Jointing Method | Rubber Ring Joint (RRJ) | Welded |
| Ease of Installation | Faster (No welding required) | Slower (Welding required) |
| Weight | Heavy (but manageable) | Very heavy (requires large machines) |
| Handling | Can be lifted with smaller excavators | Requires cranes or large excavators |
| Availability of Fittings | Standard fittings available | Custom fittings require welding |
| Typical Applications | Normal runs, live road installations, handle bars | Underbores, road crossings, large-diameter mains |
| Cutting & Modification | Can be cut, but time-consuming for large sizes | Cutting requires welding and extra work |
| Common Diameter Ranges | Used for water mains 300mm+ | Used for large mains 300mm-1200mm+ |
Key Considerations for Estimating Water Mains with Steel Pipes
When estimating the cost of water mains with steel pipes, several factors must be considered:
Pipe Size & Type
- DICL vs. MSCL: DICL is faster and easier to install, while MSCL requires welding and adds significant labor costs.
- For pipes larger than 300mm, MSCL is more common in critical infrastructure.
Jointing & Welding Requirements
- Welding for MSCL adds cost and time.
- DICL fittings are readily available, reducing lead times.
Lifting & Handling Costs
- MSCL pipes require larger excavators or cranes.
- If multiple MSCL pipes are welded together, additional machines may be required for safe trench lowering.
Pipe Protection & Sleeving
- PE sleeving for DICL may be required depending on design.
- MSCL pipes in underbores often require additional protective coatings.
Long Section Profile Compliance
- Every pipeline must match depths, chainages, and invert levels exactly.
- For DICL, cutting pipes to precise lengths adds time to installation.
By accurately factoring in material, labor, welding, excavation, and lifting requirements, we ensure precise cost estimates for steel pipe water mains, aligning with Sydney Water specifications.
For estimating services, contact WSE Sydney at:
📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au
📞 +61 451 404 645