Failure Risk of Bar-Wrapped Pipe with Broken Bars and Corroded Cylinder

Bar-wrapped pipe ("BWP") commonly used in pressure pipelines due to its reliability, cost effectiveness and durability. Failure of BWP can occur as a result of long term leakage and subsequent corrosion or as a result of leakage and deterioration of the reinforcing bars over time. The failure can also be the direct result of a transient pressure or other sudden catastrophic events. The consequence of failure may result in a significant disruption of operation and service for a water utility without any warning. This is a concern because assessing the condition of a damaged BWP is very challenging. In this paper, a nonlinear finite element analysis was used to evaluate the performance of a damaged BWP. For the structural evaluation, stresses and strains developed in the damaged BWP were evaluated. Cracking and spalling of the mortar lining will eventually lead to the corrosion of the steel components. In an effort to account for the steel deterioration, the model was adjusted by reducing the thickness of the steel cylinder. This study investigates the behavior of a deteriorating BWP under various levels of distress and various internal pressures. The results based on a 24-inch pipe transmission main, are used to define criteria to evaluate the performance of a damaged BWP. Based upon the finite element results obtained in this study, suggestions for future work are presented and discussed.