WCW26

Every year, thousands of miles of waterlines are installed in North America through new projects and replacement of aging infrastructure. Decisions on prioritizing pipeline replacement projects are based on the age of the water network and its performance. In addition, decisions on which materials to use for replacing aging infrastructure are based on relative performance and cost.
Since the initial cost does not represent the true value of the water pipeline, asset managers give preference to strength, durability, and life cycle cost of their water and wastewater pipelines.
DIPRA’s extensive research in corrosion protection led to a comprehensive risk-based model, which identifies several asset management strategies presently in use in North America, dealing with the potential for external and internal corrosion of buried Ductile iron pipelines.
In this Presentation, we will discuss the significant benefits that could be derived by utility owners if they consider to design, operate and maintain their infrastructure using these strategies, ultimately resulting in fewer unplanned repairs, and in the long term, a lower total cost of operation.