Abstract
Among the various diameter classes of ductile iron pipe (DIP) used in water distribution systems, small-diameter pipes [i.e., pipes with a diameter less than or equal to 305 mm (12 in.)] represent the largest proportion in use by length. Because small-diameter DIPs have thinner pipe walls, penetrations attributable to corrosion occur more rapidly, resulting in a higher susceptibility to corrosion-related failures compared to DIPs of larger diameters. Condition assessment (CA) technologies can provide vital information about the integrity of pipes, facilitating decision making on pipeline rehabilitation. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of CA technologies on medium- and large-diameter water mains that are known to have a high consequence of failure. However, there is an uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness of similar technologies on small-diameter DIPs. This study extends the discussion of condition assessment on water mains by evaluating commercially available CA technologies that are applicable specifically to small-diameter DIPs. The findings from this study could help water utilities make better informed selections of CA technologies and alleviate the skepticism regarding the value provided by these technologies.
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Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the Water Research Foundation (WRF). The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of WRF at the time of publication. The authors would like to thank Jian Zhang (WRF), Corina Santos (WaterRF), Mohammad Najafi [Univ. of Texas at Arlington/Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE)], Brian C. Schade (WaterOne), Peter Pommerenk (Virginia Beach City Government), Joanna Line (City of Calgary), Kyle Wong (Sammamish Plateau Water), Ryan Taylor (Citizen’s Energy Group), Li Kok (City of Surrey), and Dwayne Barnes (Bloomington Public Works) for their contributions to this study.
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Published In
Journal of Pipeline Systems Engineering and Practice
Volume 11 • Issue 4 • November 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 9, 2018
Accepted: Oct 28, 2019
Published online: Jul 8, 2020
Published in print: Nov 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Dec 8, 2020
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