Failure Analysis of Asbestos Cement Pipe Using Recent Main Break Data

Abstract

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Asbestos cement (AC) pipe was used as pipe material starting from 1930s. It was widely used during 1950s–1960s, and it phased out in the US in 1980s due to health concerns and the availability of PVC pipe. It was estimated that 600,000 mi AC pipe were installed in the United States and Canada. Several studies show that AC pipes are experiencing accelerated failure in recent years. To prioritize the AC main replacements, it is important to understand the performance of AC pipe in the water system. This paper analyzes the failures of AC pipe using the most recent 12-year main break data. AC pipes in coastal area and inland area were analyzed separately to understand their break rates. The results of this analysis could help utilities better understand the performance of AC pipe and prioritize AC pipe replacement.