When Should You Use Concrete Pits Instead of Plastic Pits?

Service pits are the areas that give maintenance crews access to underground electrical, drainage and telecommunication cables, as well as other infrastructure. That being the case, choosing the right type of pit is more important than you think. The choice often comes down to two options – concrete pits or plastic pits. While each brings something different to the table, the final choice will depend on factors such as ground conditions, durability requirements, installation logistics, and more. 

If you want to get your hands on the best concrete pits for your construction project, Convic has you covered. In this post, we’ll compare both concrete and plastic pits to see when concrete pits are the more appropriate choice. 

What are concrete and plastic pits?

Service pits are the areas that act as access points to underground utilities. 

Concrete pits are, as the name suggests, made from concrete and designed for strength and durability. With the emphasis on strength and durability, concrete pits are well suited to applications where structural robustness is non-negotiable. They are commonly used in civil and infrastructure projects that need to handle significant loads for long periods of time. 

Plastic pits are characterised by their lightweight and ease of handling. They are often good fits for installations where speed and ease of handling are priorities. As such, they work well in residential environments or environments where the load demand is less.

When Should You Choose Concrete Pits?

We want to emphasise that neither concrete nor plastic is automatically better than the other. But there are some situations where concrete pits are the better choice. They include: 

• High-load or heavy-traffic areas – Locations that are exposed to vehicles or significant surface loads (e.g., roads, driveways, infrastructure corridors, etc.) need stronger pits.
• Demanding civil infrastructure projects – For large civil infrastructure projects that have an extensive underground utility infrastructure, durability is non-negotiable, making concrete the better option.
• Harsh ground conditions – Soil conditions, ground movements, and environmental exposure also need to be factored in during pit selection. Concrete pits are often better suited to deal with harsh ground conditions.
• Long-term durability is a priority – concrete provides a robust, stable enclosure for installation that you expect to remain for a long time without frequent maintenance.

Concrete vs Plastic Pits: Key Differences

Let’s take a look at the key differences between concrete and plastic pits. 

Strength

• Concrete pits – High structural strength
• Plastic pits – lightweight construction

Weight

• Concrete pits – Heavier
• Plastic pits – easier to transport

Installation

• Concrete pits – May require more handling equipment
• Plastic pits – Generally easier to handle

Traffic areas

• Concrete pits – Best for robust constructions, subject to design
• Plastic pits – Suitability will depend on product rating and installation

Durability

• Concrete pits – Long-lasting
• Plastic pits – Durable when correctly selected and installed

Cost

• Concrete pits – Higher handling and installation costs.
• Plastic pits – Lower handling and installation costs.

Best Suited For

• Concrete pits – Demanding civil and infrastructure applications
• Plastic pits – Light-duty applications

What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing?

Before setting up your pit, it’s worth considering a few key factors. They include:

• Load requirements – Will vehicles or heavy equipment pass over the pit on a regular basis?
• Installation location – Is the pit going to be located on a roadway, footpath, or in a commercial or industrial area?
• Ground conditions – What’s the soil type, drainage situation, and groundwater level in the area? What is the potential for ground movement?
• Pit dimensions – Is there enough internal space for future maintenance?
• Service type – Is the pit going to house electrical, telecommunication, drainage, or some other type of underground infrastructure?
• Installation equipment – Is machinery available on site to handle heavier concrete components?
• Compliance and project specifications – Does the concrete pit selected meet the relevant Australian regulations and standards?

Common Mistakes When Choosing Service Pits?

When it comes to installing concrete pits, make sure to avoid these common mistakes. 

• Choosing the cheapest option – Price isn’t the only factor you should consider.
• Ignoring expected traffic or surface loads – The last thing you need is for the pit to give way under the weight.
• Selecting incorrect dimensions – You don’t want a pit that is too big or too small.
• Failing to consider soil and groundwater movements – Continuous exposure and strain can eventually lead to cracks in the pits.
• Overlooking access requirements for future maintenance – When maintenance time comes, you need to make sure that workers have proper and easy access to the pit.
• Using incompatible covers or components – When the covers don’t fit, it leads to loose connections that can expose the infrastructure underneath.
• Failing to check project specifications and Australian standards – Not meeting proper standards will mean delays, suspensions, and costly re-dos.

Conclusion

When projects need strength, durability, and robust underground infrastructure, concrete pits are the ideal choice. Plastic pits, on the other hand, are a better fit when lightweight handling and simpler requirements matter more. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to several key factors. If you’re a builder, contractor, or civil construction professional planning your next project, contact Convic and source high-quality civil construction material.