Factors influencing pipe failures in the WA environment. Graduation thesis

This document summarises an investigation conducted into the deterioration and failure of the Water Corporation’s pipeline assets in the Perth metropolitan region, focusing on Reinforced Concrete and Cast Iron pipes. Pipeline failure is a common occurrence, generally resulting in damage to surrounding land and infrastructure, and loss of water and water supply to housing. The main objective of this project is to improve the knowledge base of the Asset Management Group by implementing a sample collection and analysis procedure, and analysing relationships between pipe failure rates and the Western Australian environment. Cast Iron pipes were observed to regularly fail as a result of external corrosion and failure rates show a strong correlation to the Ferrous Corrosivity Scale. Reinforced Concrete pipes were most commonly observed to fail as a result of joint failures. Failure rates of both pipe materials were found to peak in mid winter, which is attributed to an increase in soil moisture content causing soil expansion