Muskegon County Wastewater Force Main

Muskegon, MI

SGH investigated the failure of a 20-foot pipe segment of the 11-mile-long, 66-inch prestressed concrete pipeline in Muskegon, MI. We performed a condition assessment of the line while in service and proposed and designed repair and replacement of a high-rise section the line. Our investigation included field inspection of the failure site, analysis of stresses in the pipeline, mechanical and metallurgical testing of the prestressing wire and the steel cylinder, electron microscopy of fracture surfaces of wire, petrographic examination of the mortar coating, and chemical analysis of the soil and groundwater. We constructed the failure scenario which included loss of prestress due to hydrogen-embrittled wire near an active corrosion cell, followed by external corrosion and rupture of the steel cylinder. SGH evaluated the risk of pipe rupture and developed repair and replacement options.

Service Provided:
Investigation

Supporting Capabilities:
Engineering Mechanics