Types of Prestressed Concrete Pipes Commonly Manufactured

Prestressed Concrete Pipe: PCP

Prestressed Concrete Pipe (PCP) is an essential structural material widely used in large-scale public infrastructure systems nationwide. It is valued for its high strength, excellent resistance to water pressure, long service life, and ability to perform reliably under diverse environmental conditions.

In 2025, manufacturing standards have been further enhanced to better support Thailand’s mega infrastructure projects, including applications in drainage systems, high-pressure water transmission pipelines, and tunnel construction, ensuring improved performance, durability, and safety to meet modern engineering demands.

Today, Taitong Machinery Co., Ltd. would like to introduce the most commonly produced types of prestressed concrete pipes, along with their practical applications in the construction industry, to help you select the most suitable type for each project correctly.

1) Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes are the most commonly used type and are widely applied in urban infrastructure projects such as roads, motorways, housing developments, and industrial estates.

Featured Characteristics

• Designed to withstand soil pressure and groundwater loads effectively
• Suitable for stormwater drainage, floodwater management, and preliminary wastewater systems
• Smooth inner surface enhances flow capacity
• Resistant to acidic–alkaline soil conditions and high moisture environments

• Underground Road Drainage Pipelines
• Urban Development Drainage Pipes
• Large-Scale Stormwater Drainage Systems

2) High-Pressure Water Transmission Pipes

Prestressed concrete pipes are designed for applications requiring high safety standards, strong resistance to high water pressure, and a service life exceeding 50 years.

Featured Characteristics

• Withstands water pressure exceeding 20–25 bar (project specification dependent)
• Corrosion-resistant and suitable for underground environments
• Prestressed structure helps minimize cracking caused by internal water pressure

Frequently used tasks

• Water transmission pipelines from water treatment plants to communities
• Municipal and industrial estate water supply systems
• Long-distance water transmission systems for government infrastructure projects

3) Irrigation Pipes

It is a pipe used for agricultural water conveyance and irrigation water management, requiring high structural strength, suitability for outdoor installation, and resistance to fluctuating internal pressure (fluctuation).

Featured Characteristics

• Withstands high pressure, making it ideal for long-distance water transmission
• Strong structural integrity, resistant to ground settlement
• Smooth internal surface ensures consistent and efficient water flow

Frequently used tasks

• Agricultural Water Conveyance System
• Irrigation Pipelines in Water Resource Development Areas
• Large-Diameter Water Pipelines for Royal Irrigation Department Projects

4) Tunnel Lining Pipes

Used in deep foundation works, underground tunneling projects, and large-scale drainage systems where high durability and structures capable of withstanding multidirectional loads are required.

Featured Characteristics

• Designed to withstand soil pressure and superimposed loads above tunnels
• High structural strength, minimizing deformation and cracking
• Ideal for large-scale drainage tunnel applications

Frequently used tasks

• Large urban drainage tunnels
• Road or railway underpass tunnels
• Large-scale underground utility systems

5) Dams & Large-Scale Infrastructure Pipes

Extra-large prestressed concrete pipes for structural applications requiring the highest level of safety.

Featured Characteristics

• Withstands extremely high water pressure from reservoirs
• Multi-layer prestressed structure for superior strength and durability
• Service life of 60–80 years, designed to support long-term inspection and maintenance

Frequently used tasks

• Spillway Drainage Pipelines for Dam Facilities
• Water Transmission Pipelines for River Basin Development Projects
• Public Utility Pipeline Systems for National Mega Infrastructure Projects

Why Prestressed Concrete Pipes Are a Popular Choice

• Stronger than conventional concrete pipes by several times
• Long service life, ideal for long-term infrastructure investment
• High resistance to water pressure and soil loads
• Easy maintenance with lower total life-cycle cost

With these properties, prestressed concrete pipes remain a key material for national infrastructure projects. They are especially suitable for factories and medium- to large-scale contractors who require consistent quality and well-defined standards.

Summary

Prestressed concrete pipes are available in various types, each designed to meet different structural requirements — ranging from general drainage systems to large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams, tunnels, and high-pressure water supply systems. Selecting the appropriate pipe type in accordance with project specifications is essential to ensure structural stability, safety, and long-term cost efficiency.

If you are looking for prestressed concrete pipe manufacturing machines, concrete molds, pipe molds, slab molds, pile molds, or concrete block molds, Taitong Machinery Co., Ltd. is ready to serve you.

With over 40 years of experience, we have earned the trust and recognition of both public and private sector clients nationwide, as well as customers in international markets.