Bar-wrapped Concrete Cylinder Pipe (AWWA C303)
Concrete Durability, Steel Backbone.
In nominal diameters from 36″ to 144″, with standard laying lengths of 35 ft.
Bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe (C303) is available in diameters from 10″ to 72″ with standard lengths of 20′ to 40′. Introduced in the early 1940s, C303 features a welded steel cylinder with steel joint rings, an internal mortar, and a spiral-wrapped reinforcing steel bar around the cylinder. The pipe is coated externally with Portland cement mortar, which protects the steel from corrosion by creating an alkaline, passivating environment.
Thompson Pipe Group’s C303 combines steel’s strength with cement mortar’s durability and corrosion resistance. Manufactured to AWWA C303 standards and designed per AWWA Manual M9, it provides long-term performance for demanding pipeline applications.
C303 Features
Ease of Installation & Economical
C303 pipe is installed in less time on-site. Because it is a semi-rigid conduit, C303 requires less stringent bedding and/or backfilling under normal ground conditions than other water-main pipe materials.
Adaptability
C303 pipe is available in a wide range of diameters and lengths and can be engineered to meet specific pressure and loading needs. Its semi‑rigid design also performs well in different soil conditions with less demanding bedding requirements, making it adaptable to a variety of installation environments.
Designed for Project Requirements
C303 is custom-designed for each project. Each section of pipe and fitting can be fabricated to meet the project specific requirements in regards to internal pressure and external loading.
Corrosion Protection
C303 provides built-in corrosion protection. The high pH, alkaline environment provided by the Portland cement concrete and mortar provides an electrochemical protection against corrosion for the encased steel components. This is far superior to barrier-type protection offered by polyethylene encasements, tape wraps and paint.
Advantages:
- Corrosion-resistant zinc-metallized steel joint rings.
- Fast installation due to longer lengths, gasketed joints, mechanically restrained joints and foregiving durability
- No special bedding needed under normal conditions.
- Longer standard pipe lengths reduce joints and speed up assembly.
- Smooth interior from vertical wetcast process improves hydraulic flow efficiency.
- Built-in corrosion protection from alkaline concrete encasement outperforms barrier coatings.
- The circular O-ring gasket manufactured by TPG Pressure provides a highly dependable positive joint seal
- Durable with a long service life requiring minimal maintenance
- Manufactured to strict AWWA C303 standards ensuring quality and reliability
- Custom fittings
- Adaptable in the field
Typical C303 Applications
- Transmission and feeder mains
- Distribution pipelines for potable water
- Treatment facility yard and process piping
- Water intakes and outfalls, including subaqueous pipelines
- Cooling water systems
- Power generation make-up water and industrial plant piping
- Re-use pipelines
Installation Types
- Open cut trench installation
- Tunnel installation
- Two pass tunnel applications
Key Installation Considerations and Components
- Semi‑rigid conduit: Under normal conditions no special bedding is required.
- Standard joints: Rubber‑gasketed steel bell‑and‑spigot connection for a watertight pressure joint.
- Enhanced joint corrosion protection: Zinc‑metallized joint rings available.
- Joint restraint options: Snap‑ring restrained, clamp‑type (harness), or welded joints
Thrive Under Pressure.
The widest range of precast, pressure, and trenchless pipe solutions in North America, backed by industry-leading engineering and logistics. Thompson Pipe Group delivers all that.