Effective management of large-diameter pressure pipes

Managing large-diameter pressurized pipe assets poses a challenge for numerous reasons. Pipes may he of different materials and ages, are usually buried (which makes inspection problematic), and are subject to multiple, complex deterioration processes. The Water Services Association of Australia and its members felt that the maturity and effectiveness of condition assessment approaches varied considerably and that the benefits of inspection and subsequent condition assessments were not always fully realized. As part of research to improve the effective use of pipe condition assessment, case studies of industry practice were developed to highlight varied approaches. The article offers insights into the ways that the Australian water sector conducts condition assessment of large-diameter pressure pipes and provides a flow chart designed to help utility managers better understand how condition assessment fits into an overall management strategy. Water suppliers can use the information to refine their own condition assessment strategies and determine the data they need to better guide their decision-making.-M.PM