Service Applications
PICA offers inspection technologies that enable condition assessments of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP), bar-wrapped pipe (also known as reinforced concrete cylinder pipe – RCCP), metallic pipe, and non-metallic pipe, such as HDPE, PVC, and FRP.
PCCP
Prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (AWWA C301 standard) is a composite pipe consisting of a concrete core, a thin steel cylinder, high-tensile prestressing wires, and a mortar coating. The concrete core is the main structural load-bearing component with the steel cylinder acting as a water barrier between concrete layers.
Using either our Standard NDT or Advanced NDT Service Solutions, as well as complementary Visual NDT Service Solutions, PICA can detect the following for embedded cylinder and lined cylinder PCCP:
- Cylinder corrosion
- Broken wires (hydrogen embrittled or corroded through)
- Out-of-round and denting
- Liner spalling
- Preferential weld corrosion
- Loss of pre-load
Bar-Wrapped Pipe (RCCP)
Bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe (AWWA C303 standard) is a composite pipe consisting of a steel cylinder helically wrapped with a mild steel rod and lined and coated with dense cement mortar. This type of pipe is also known as reinforced concrete cylinder pipe (RCCP).
Using our Advanced NDT Service Solutions and complementary Visual NDT Service Solutions, PICA can detect the following:
- Cylinder corrosion
- Corroded/broken reinforcing bars
- Out-of-round and denting
- Liner spalling
METALLIC PIPE
Metallic pipes can be made of steel, ductile iron, or cast iron for municipal water, wastewater, and oil and gas applications, and stainless steel, aluminum, and copper for industrial applications.
Steel pipes used to transport water, wastewater, oil, gas, chemicals, slurry and disposal fluids are often coated with cement mortar or polyurethane and lined with cement mortar, HDPE, or epoxy.
Using our Advanced NDT Service Solutions PICA, can detect localized corrosion of metallic cylinders through a variety of internal liners in pipe sizes 3-inch diameter and larger in winched or free-swimming applications.
Non-metallic Pipe
Non-metallic pipe, such as HDPE, PVC, and FRP are subject to crushing (from overburden pressure) and point loads from rocks in trench backfill and often fail due to slow crack growth.
HDPE can also fail due to weld problems. While they do not corrode, these pipes can still fail catastrophically or develop leaks.
PICA’s Visual NDT Service Solution can find and quantify defects in non-metallic pipes. With access through manholes and clean-outs or ARVs, PICA’s high-resolution solutions can size defects with a high degree of precision.
Reinforced Concrete Pipe
Reinforced concrete pressure non-cylinder pipe (AWWA C302 standard) consists of one or two circumferential reinforcing cages of steel wires or bars, as well as steel joint rings with skirts.
Using a vertical casting process, the steel joint rings and reinforcing cage assembly of RCP is encased in Portland cement concrete, providing a high strength concrete structural core.
Using either our Standard NDT or Advanced NDT Service Solutions, PICA can detect reinforcing wire breaks in both circumferential and longitudinal directions.
Using our Advanced NDT Service Solutions, as well as complementary Visual NDT Service Solutions, PICA can also detect:
- Spalled, cracked and/or rust-stained concrete
- Ovality (crushed pipe)
- Pulled joints
- Leaks
