Corrugated Metal Pipe Stormwater System Powers Major Houston Hospital Build, Wins Going Green Award

By: Contech Engineered Solutions

Winner of the NCSPA Project of the Year – Going Green Category

When Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion bond in late 2023, they launched a bold plan to rebuild the region’s healthcare infrastructure. At the heart of that effort is a new 12-story, 1.3 million-square-foot facility replacing the LBJ Hospital, featuring 390 private patient rooms, 15 operating rooms, and even a rooftop helipad. Behind the scenes, though, a critical challenge had to be solved: how to responsibly manage 1.4 million cubic feet of stormwater onsite. That challenge, along with its innovative solution, earned Contech Engineered Solutions the NCSPA Project of the Year in the Going Green category.

Replacing Concrete with a Corrugated Metal Pipe Stormwater System

Initially, engineers believed only a precast concrete system could handle such massive storage needs. But Contech proved that a corrugated metal pipe stormwater system could match the capacity while cutting both material costs and installation time.

The switch to aluminized CMP gave the project a lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective solution that didn’t compromise on performance. It also helped reduce environmental impact, making it a sustainable win for Houston’s growing medical footprint.

Flexibility That Kept the Project on Schedule

Contech collaborated with engineers at Walter P. Moore as well as the general and subcontractors to navigate utility conflicts and design revisions. The final corrugated metal pipe stormwater system used pipe diameters ranging from 24 inches to 114 inches and included Contech’s Exfiltration Joint system to further maximize capacity.

Thanks to the versatility of CMP, Contech was able to adapt the detention system to each phase of construction without delaying progress.

Built in Phases, Delivered With Precision

Because three different general contractors worked across three project phases, Contech needed to remain flexible. They delivered nine separate detention systems, aligning each with the contractor’s unique timeline and needs.

Throughout the process, their use of corrugated metal pipe made logistics simpler, reduced labor demands, and helped keep installation efficient, even on a fast-moving jobsite.

A Green Win for Stormwater Sustainability

This project proves that large-scale stormwater solutions don’t have to rely on heavy, rigid materials. The use of a corrugated metal pipe stormwater system not only met demanding storage specs but also boosted sustainability, speed, and cost-efficiency.

By swapping concrete for steel, Harris County gained long-term resilience and a standout project worthy of national recognition.