Verification of PCCP failure margin and risk curves

Failure margin analysis of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) evaluates the effect of broken prestressing wires on performance of the pipe and its margin to failure using the risk curves technology. The risk curves technology is based on structural analysis calibrated and verified by hydrostatic pressure testing of pipes with broken wires to failure, nonlinear finite element analysis that simulates the behavior of distressed pipe to failure, and external inspection of pipes with broken wires. This paper compares the observed levels of distress from external inspection of failed or highly distressed pipes to those predicted using the risk curves technology with the observed number of broken wires and expected internal pressure.

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