Which type of pipe can support loads without needing much backfill or side support?

Rigid pipe is specifically designed to support loads without requiring extensive backfill or side support. This is due to its structural integrity and strength, allowing it to maintain its shape and resist deformation under external pressure or loads. Such pipes are typically made from materials like reinforced concrete or heavier plastics, which provide the necessary rigidity to withstand various stresses from surrounding soils and any traffic or loads above the pipe.

In contrast, flexible pipes rely on the surrounding soil and backfill to provide support and maintain their shape when subjected to loads. Therefore, they do not have the same capacity to support heavy loads independently, making them less suited for installations where minimal backfill is needed. Perforated pipes, designed primarily for drainage, also do not share the same structural capabilities as rigid pipes. Composite pipes, while beneficial for certain applications due to their combined material properties, similarly do not exhibit the load-bearing characteristics of rigid pipes. Thus, rigid pipes are the optimal choice for applications requiring substantial load support with minimal backfill.