Potential Techniques for the Assessment of Joints in Water Distribution Pipelines

The failures from gradually deteriorating joints are observed as leaks or pipe breaks at or near the joint and may result in water quality deterioration. However, while these failures are not often catastrophic, they frequently remain undetected or are not acted upon. If the condition of a joint can be assessed prior to the onset of visible deterioration, it may be possible to undertake planned remedial action to prevent further degradation and expense.


The project sought to identify and document the key problems associated with the failure of joints in water distribution pipelines and to investigate and report on the potential of existing and emerging techniques for the location, condition assessment, and repair of these joints. The research approach acknowledged that location, condition assessment, and rehabilitation of pipe joints were likely to be achieved using a variety of different techniques and consisting of the following stages:


Determine the types of joints that are most common and their major potential modes of failure
Perform a utility survey to determine methods currently being used for joint location, condition assessment, and repair
Undertake a literature and manufacturer search of current and emerging technologies used for location, condition assessment, repair, and rehabilitation of pipe joints
Investigate and report on the performance of selected technologies
Perform utility sponsored field testing of selected techniques under a variety of realistic site conditions
Develop decision support tools and methodologies based upon the technical attributes of the particular systems