Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) standard guidelines and industry practice have rather been disconnected from the end-users’ expectations. No genuine effort has so far been made to create synergy between the expertise gained and advances made around the world. With the advent of strong competition from flexible pipe products and changing end-user expectations, a critical look at the current state-of-the-art is needed. In the present paper, RCP standards from a study area representing a quarter of the world’s population (Canada, United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia and New Zealand) were critically analyzed. Comparisons were made in terms of product and material requirements, structural load testing, hydrostatic performance, and durability requirements. It is shown that the RCP sector lags modern developments in concrete technology, standard code advances and materials innovations. The analysis also revealed various knowledge gaps in terms of the mechanical, hydrostatic and durability performance of RCP. Recommendations emanating from this critical analysis aim at tailoring performance-based guidelines that can better capture current market needs and user expectations.
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