How to Complete Risk-Informed Condition Assessment and Management of PCCP
Prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) continues to play a critical role in major water transmission systems across North America. However, its unique failure mechanisms make proactive condition assessment essential.
Advanced electromagnetic inspection tools developed by PICA deliver high-resolution information about wire-breaks, loss of preload, and steel cylinder corrosion long before failure occurs. The true value of this data emerges when utilities understand how to interpret it. They must also integrate it into broader risk models and long-term planning strategies.
The first steps in assessing the condition of PCCP is data collection. This includes indirect assessments via desktop data analysis and direct condition assessment by utilizing inspection techniques such as electromagnetic tools. In addition, visual and sounding inspection via person-entry can be used where possible, or a combination of these methods is possible.
Publisher
Trenchless Technology