The landscapes and environments in which we live are constantly changing, and ensuring that resilient infrastructure is in place to support local communities is a priority for all cities. In regions where natural disasters occur and pose significant threats, such as wildfires and earthquakes, and as seen most recently in areas such as Lahaina, Hawaii, and the Palisades in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, California, Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) has proven to be a durable and reliable choice for water infrastructure. This article will discuss why selecting the proper material for underground infrastructure is crucial in combating natural disasters and enabling communities to respond more effectively with a reliable source of potable water and vital fire protection.
Over the course of my 30+ year career with McWane Ductile, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of some remarkably interesting and detailed water pipeline projects. Several of these projects have required a partnership between the community, awarding authority, contractor, water works distributor, and material manufacturer to ensure the projects were installed efficiently and correctly. However, few have matched the scale, complexity, and collaborative effort of the Saugus River crossing—part of the massive Belden Bly Bridge Replacement Project in Massachusetts. This project stands out not only for its technical challenges but also for the preparation, planning, and collaboration of key partners that brought it to a successful conclusion. In this #IronStrong Blog, you’ll hear the when, why, who, and how of this complex and intricate Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) waterway crossing.
Have you ever considered how high temperatures impact your choice of piping material for a water system? It might not be something that comes to mind immediately, but it’s an important factor. Water treatment specialists pay close attention to water temperatures because they influence how the water reacts to treatment chemicals. Additionally, water and ground temperatures can significantly affect the performance of certain piping materials, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
What do balancing a checkbook and restraining Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) have in common? They are both important skill sets that lead to peace of mind. A typical waterline experiences thrust forces produced by fittings, closed valves, or dead ends. These forces must be "balanced out” or canceled to maintain the pipeline’s longitudinal integrity across the joints. Similar to managing a checkbook, the weight of the pipe, the water contained in it, and the backfill above it, along with the pipeline's friction with surrounding soils, help counteract a portion of the "thrust force" bill. The remaining force must be zeroed out using a calculated length of restrained joint pipe and fittings, following the ASTM/AWWA calculation protocols.
In this #IronStrong Blog, we will explain thrust forces, how they are created in a water line, why they are important, the information needed to calculate them, and how to easily calculate them using the McWane Pocket Engineer™. Once you have those calculations, we will show you what pipe joints to use and in what quantities to make your pipeline restraint secure for generations.
One can look around any job site in the nation, no matter the location, scope of work, or scale of the project where the Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) is being installed, and notice one common factor: some sort of pipe lubrication. Although commonly overlooked at these job sites and locations, pipe lube plays one of the most vital roles in the efficient installation of DI pipe. All types of DI joints require it, including above-ground, below-ground, and even underwater. Whether that may be a Tyton® Joint, Mechanical Joint, TR-Flex®, or Ball & Socket River Crossing pipe, all of these must have a type of lubrication in order to be properly assembled and installed. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will focus on why using the recommended pipe lube supplied by the DI manufacturer is so important.
Misleading information has recently circulated regarding the availability of TR Flex® restrained joint pipe and fittings, creating a flurry of questions and uncertainty for engineers and utilities about its service performance and integrity. How can an engineer design a project without knowing the facts? After reviewing the information in this #IronStrong Blog, one can better understand future expectations.
Welcome to our Halloween edition of #IronStrong," where we’ve compiled the spooky challenges haunting construction builders and pipeline contractors. From tricky terrain to mysterious leaks and unforeseen obstacles, we’re here to illuminate the “scary” aspects of water pipeline installations that can send chills down a project manager's spine.
See the “Ditch Doctor” advice column and a link to our blog, “Exorcising Restraint." We dissect a few daunting issues and present real-world solutions and insights to help brave contractors turn their nightmares into success stories. Grab your flashlight (and tools) as we guide you through the shadows, ensuring your next project is well-prepared to face any “frightening” twist that may lie ahead.
The choice of materials in water infrastructure is crucial in ensuring the system's durability and reliability and influencing operational costs. Water and wastewater treatment plants are typically the largest energy consumers for municipalities, accounting for 30 to 40% of total energy consumption. To protect their systems from overload, energy companies must implement rolling blackouts during extreme weather. This #IronStrong Blog discusses the benefits of using Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) in your utility water system and how its key advantages can save you money compared to other materials.
During a recent business trip, I noticed water being used randomly to combat the summer heat at various locations, construction sites, local sporting and recreational activities, fire safety, and public welfare. As I observed these activities, I wondered if the public understands how water gets from nature to human use and consumption. Most Americans can easily access a disinfected drinking water supply at home and the workplace. However, many do not know how public water treatment works before it reaches their glass. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, a federal law enacted in 1974 to protect drinking water quality in the United States. This act is crucial in ensuring that our water is safe and clean. To celebrate this milestone, I'm sharing this #IronStrong Blog, which explains water sources in general terms, the treatment of water, the public water distribution system, and the role Ductile iron pipe plays.
In a recent #IronStrong Blog published in September 2024, we discussed, in detail, how to measure horizontal distances between offsets within a Ductile iron (DI) pipeline segment. This blog will continue that discussion by addressing how to calculate the vertical distance between DI pipeline offsets.
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