Failure Assessment Modeling to Prioritize Water Pipe Renewal: Two Case Studies

Abstract

Studies indicate an urgent need to upgrade the nation’s aging and deteriorating water distribution systems so they can provide customers with reliable and safe water supplies. In response, water utilities apply performance measurement initiatives including pipeline asset management, which requires condition assessment to identify failure-prone pipes and prioritize their renewal. However, the below-ground location of pipes and lack of standard guidelines or tools make pipeline assessment and renewal decisions difficult. This paper presents a model that uses data commonly found in utilities to assist them with their pipe renewal decisions. The model has unique features that increase its responsiveness to industry needs, and it was developed and tested with collaboration of utility professionals. Two case studies illustrate the model’s application to the study of pipes in early and late performance stages while addressing the data limitations and risk averse characteristics of the industry.