Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

California

SGH analyzed the risk of failure of two prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP) with broken wires and advised on repairs and monitoring. We inspected the pipes with the RFEC/TC method and detected distressed pipe with broken wires. The soil was determined to be highly corrosive indicating a future increase in broken wires. We developed a nonlinear finite element model of the larger pipe to determine serviceability, structural damage, and ultimate strength limit states for different lengths of broken wire zones under combined effects of internal pressure and external load. Our analysis identified the pipes that needed immediate and long-term repair and provided a plan to help the client utilize funds effectively.

Service Provided:
Investigation

Supporting Capabilities:
Engineering Mechanics