Evaluating ductile iron pipe corrosion

Abstract

The failure of ductile iron pipe due to external corrosion is not a new or recent phenomenon. Recently, an increasing number of corrosion failures on these pipelines have resulted in the need to analyze their cause and take proactive measures. This paper reviews comprehensive failure evaluations and overall ductile iron pipeline evaluations that provide critical data regarding the anticipated remaining life of the water main and the probability of future failures. Informed decisions relevant to pipe rehabilitation and replacement programs can be formulated, lessons regarding the installation of more corrosion resistant replacement pipelines or pipe sections can be learned, and resources can be effectively directed to high risk areas in the water system.