Practical Asset Management and Monitoring Saves Millions on Problematic 60'' and 96'' PCCP Mains

This paper summarizes two Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) assessment projects, including the findings of the inspections and the decisions that WSSC was forced to make in light of the inspections results. The inspection revealed that there were isolated problematic locations on the mains that were classified to be in a moderate to high level of risk of failure. Given the condition of the pipelines, WSSC evaluated four options: continue pipeline operation without mitigating risk, capital project to eliminate risk, a periodic re-inspection to track their condition, or proactive asset management to manage risk. For several reasons described in the paper, WSSC opted to implement a proactive asset management system that relied on continuously monitoring the condition of the pipelines and detecting problems as they develop. Proactive repairs are then focused on individual pipe sections as needed. Several immediate repairs were performed on the mains and a monitoring system installed. WSSC is presently monitoring the condition of these pipelines and will implement structural strengthening/repair solutions to ensure their safety as needed.