Enhanced Capital Planning through Spatial Analytics for Cast Iron Pipelines: Leveraging High Resolution Inspection Data

To address the challenges of managing an aging cast iron pipeline, this study will discuss how using spatial analysis can facilitate and aid the decision-making process for managing a 20-in. cast iron pipeline in Johnson County, KS. For this, high-resolution condition assessment data in the form of ultrasonic pipe wall thickness measurements were used in a spatial hotspot analysis to evaluate the spatial density of potential clusters of more distressed areas along the pipeline. Leveraging the hotspot analysis results, prioritized extents of pipes were defined by determining contiguous pipe segments of high defect density. This additional step enhanced the decision-making process for prioritizing bulk replacements or other relevant renewal strategies across the pipeline. These prioritized extents provided a roadmap for the team enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.