AWWA ACE68556

Much of the water pipeline infrastructure is constructed of iron pipe. Consistently achieving a 100 year service life requires management of these assets throughout their life, beginning with original design and construction. Two highly effective tools for managing water pipeline infrastructure are discussed in this paper. A study of the mechanisms of external pipe deterioration and life-extension approaches for ductile iron pipe culminated in a risk based corrosion protection design strategy for new buried ductile iron pipelines. This Design Decision Model recognizes various corrosion protection technologies for prevention of external corrosion on ductile iron pipe in soil environments. Example approaches are provided with guidance for cost-effective, long-term solutions to ensure a 100 year life. For existing pipelines, it is imperative that the remaining pipe life be known as a driving input parameter for repair, rehabilitation and replacement decisions. In the energy industry which faces the same issues related to decaying infrastructure, a process of External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA) is used for this purpose. This same sound engineering approach, with some modifications, is directly applicable to water mains. Includes 17 references, tables, figures.