SGH evaluated coupons extracted from the steel transmission system pipelines, some with and without cement mortar lining, to identify any deleterious conditions. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Performing petrographic analyses on cement mortar lining samples to evaluate its ability to provide corrosion protection to the steel; look for signs of segregation, carbonation, chloride contamination, or alkali-silica reaction; and identify any other characteristics or constituents that could lead to mortar deterioration
- Conducting microscopic evaluations of steel pipe coupons to measure section loss and analyze corrosion
- Reviewing water analysis reports to investigate whether there is any correlation between the observed deterioration and water chemistry
- Summarizing our findings and recommendations for the agency’s review