Reason for selection: Hot-dip coated steel was conventionally used for the band to fix the life-line
pipes laid in the common ditch, which had some problems including product’s
susceptibility to deterioration due to corrosion and incurrence of maintenance
costs. Thus, the parties concerned introduced maintenance-free SUS304 stainless
steel bands. These are in line with the “product-life extension initiatives”
promoted by the national government. First, stainless steel coils
of optimal thicknesses and widths were picked, then slit and processed
in order to minimize material losses. The parties were also able to compensate
for the dimensional defects of the base (concrete) with the dimension of
the band, thus meeting requirements of the onsite workers and achieving
short-time delivery. In addition, unnecessary onsite costs (including labor
costs to adjust dimensions through the use of spacer and related materials
costs) were saved and with burdens on workers lessened, the project is
in progress as planned. The main feature of the stainless steel bands is
a drastic overall cost reduction through lowered maintenance costs in the
coming years and increased worker productivity. In the
future, construction of common ditches extending approximately 240 km is
planned nationwide and demand for SUS304 products is likely to rise, enabling the
parties to make further social contribution.
