White Rock North Transmission Main

Dallas, TX

This 17-mile, 84 inch PCCP line is an embedded cylinder type that delivers approximately 200 MGD of treated water. SGH was hired as a subconsultant to Halff Engineers to perform a failure investigation of the transmission main after a pipe segment ruptured. We reviewed hydraulic analysis, soil and geotechnical tests, and corrosion potential surveys. We performed stress analysis of the pipe, chemical and petrographic analysis of mortar coating, scan electron microscopy/energy dispersion spectroscopy, and mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis of prestressing wire and steel cylinders. We determined that the likely primary cause of the rupture of the pipe was carbonation of the mortar coating. Carbonation was highly localized and was variable around the pipe circumference.

Service Provided:
Investigation

Supporting Capabilities:
Materials Science & Engineering