CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION: INSTALLATION OF ANTI-TERMITE RETICULATION PIPES

September 27, 2011
MABUHAY!

Every day allows us to learn new things. 

At the height of typhoon Pedring today, I learned about installing ANTI-TERMITE RETICULATION PIPES—a built-in tool in termite protection technology for houses and buildings. Termites are common household pests that feed on wood or by-products such as paper etc. Termites live underground, so embedding perforated pipes that will serve as a conduit for emitting anti-termite chemicals just underneath the concrete slab on fill is a great idea. This pest control technology is getting very popular in the Philippines.

THE MATERIALS:
25mm dia. Perforated Polyethylene pipe (PE) as a conduit
50mm dia PVC pipe as protection cover (Cut in half)

A small hole was drilled in the pipe that will serve as an outlet for the pest control chemical

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LAYING OF PIPES:

Cutting the pipe

reticulation pipe laid on top of gravel bedding

Bracing the pipe with a dowel reinforcing bar to prevent it from unnecessary movement during concreting

Securing the pipe with GI tie wire

Properly align the PE pipe

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COVERING THE PERFORATED PIPES:

Cover the reticulation pipe with 2" dia PVC pipe cut in half 

The PVC pipe cover will protect the small hole of the reticulation pipe

Securing the PVC pipe cover

Completing the rest of the reticulation pipe installation

SEALING PIPE ENDS:
Use a portable blow torch to temporarily seal off the end of the pipe. When the building is near completion, say 95%, the pipe end will be cut and provided with an end cap fitting. Then the pipe will be filled with termite control chemical.

PE pipe end cap

PREPARATION FOR CONCRETE POURING:
After the reticulation pipe is installed completely, dampproofing will be placed on top of the gravel bed.

This construction method for a built-in termite control technology is a long-term solution for your house and building. Imagine a large amount of money to be spent on the repair of the damages incurred brought about by these little pests.

I would like to thank MR. JOELIBERT M. MARCELINO of MAPECON PHILS., INC. and his crew for answering all my queries regarding this technology.

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