TPi March 2019

Plastic & composite tubes

Weholite structures awarded HAPAS certificate in first for industry

Asset International Ltd has become the first manufacturer of HDPE structured wall systems to achieve Highways Authority Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) accreditation for pipe structures larger than 900mm. The water management specialist has received HAPAS accreditation from British Board of Agrément (BBA) for its Weholite pipes, fittings and systems for sizes from 1,000 to 3,500mm. The accreditation, which means that Weholite structures are considered suitable and beneficial for use in highways, makes them the first, and currently only, products of their kind to hold this approval. Plastic pipes with an internal diameter greater than 900mm are classed as ‘structures’ and do not yet have an official technical standard for use in highways. In the past, this might have excluded plastic pipes over 900mm from being utilised in highway projects, or at least made it a difficult and drawn-out process, regardless of the advantages such pipes can offer for applications such as attenuation, surface water drainage and culverts. The HAPAS certificate should help to remove such barriers and allow easier acceptance of these products. The British Board of Agrément issued HAPAS certificate 18/H283 for this Weholite product group in recognition of its performance and reliability. The certification applies specifically to 1,000

Weholite structures have been awarded HAPAS accreditation

rigorous laboratory and road tests, site inspections, performance trials and an evaluation of production, supported by a technical advisory committee made up of key representatives from the industry. Recognised by key organisations in the highways sector, the HAPAS accreditation supports the fact that Weholite structures are not only suitable for use in highways, but that projects could also derive additional benefits from using them. Mr Thomas added, “Our experience has shown that larger diameter plastic pipes and systems can provide better performance, but also offer a range of added benefits. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin, Weholite pipes and structures are extremely tough, flexible and chemically resistant, with a design life in excess of 120 years. Their superior loading capacity means they are ideally placed for use in highways and are more than capable of withstanding the extreme loading conditions placed upon them in these applications.” The latest accreditation joins Asset’s existing HAPAS certificate for its 450 to 900mm diameter Weholite pipes. Asset International Ltd – UK

to 3,500mm diameter Weholite pipes, fittings and systems. Simon Thomas, managing director at Asset, said, “This is an incredible accomplishment and the culmination of what has been a long and arduous road. It would not have been possible without the help and assistance of the Plastic Pipes Group and the British Board of Agrément who have worked extremely hard in helping us to achieve this success.” Established in 1995, the HAPAS scheme was created with the aim of developing national approval and certification processes for products, materials and systems used in highways and related areas. The approval process involves

The accreditation makes Weholite structures the first products of their kind to hold this approval

sales@weholite.co.uk www.weholite.co.uk

46

TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2019

www.read-tpi.com