Condition Assessment Services of PCCP
Insight Water Technologies specializes in the condition assessment of prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP). Ensuring the longevity and reliability of critical transmission mains, their proactive assessments can significantly extend the life span of PCCP infrastructure. With 96% of these pipes free from wire wrap failure, they maintain their original safety factors. Employing a scientific approach, the company utilizes advanced technologies to minimize disruptions during assessments. Techniques such as Piloted Near-Field Electromagnetic Testing, Free-Swimming High-Resolution Assessment with the XK Series, and Free-Swimming Multi-Sensor Sphere are employed to detect structural integrity and identify leaks or gas pockets within the pipeline. Traditional visual and auditory inspections are also part of the comprehensive evaluation process, reinforcing the durability of the pipeline systems evaluated. Insight Water Technologies offers tailored solutions to meet specific project needs, leveraging innovative technology for accurate and efficient assessments.
Industry experience has shown that when utilities implement the proactive condition assessment, failure of PCCP (prestressed concrete cylinder pipe) can be averted and the remaining life of a critical transmission main can be extended. In fact, 96% of PCCP pipe have been reported as having no broken wire wraps. This means that 96% of PCCP has the same factor of safety as the day it was installed.
Assessment of PCCP is part art and a lot of science. Through our understanding of common failure modes and technologies designed to reduce logistical inconvenience of condition assessment we can provide a variety of solutions for particular projects. Common failure modes and how Insight Water Technologies solutions identify these failure modes include:
- Broken wire wraps: The most common failure mode of PCCP is broken wire wraps associated with corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement related damage. Our near field testing solutions quantify the length of broken wire wraps zones.
- Leakage: Most leaks on PCCP occur at joints, which can lead to broken wire wraps in close proximity to a joint. Our leak detection tools provide early detection of this failure mode and compliment near field testing inspections.
- Overloading/Point Loads: Overloading or point loads result in particular cracking patterns that can be identified through visual inspection.
- Inadequate Thrust Restraint: Visual inspection or leak detection can identify joints that are opening due to inadequate restraint.