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What Are Some Common Misconceptions Associated with Ductile Iron Pipe?
12/04/2020 In Products TechnicalIn 1492, Christopher Columbus was shocked when his ship made landfall in a land Europeans had never explored. Along the way, he proved that Earth isn’t flat after all. Right?
Wrong: Despite a persistent legend, neither Columbus nor his Spanish patrons thought Earth was a finite plane instead of a round planet. That was thanks to scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians who, as early as around 600 B.C., made observations that Earth was round. Using calculations based on the sun's rise and fall, shadows, and other physical properties of the planet, Greek scholars like Pythagoras and Aristotle determined that the planet is actually a sphere.1
So, what’s the point of today’s history lesson? It often reminds me that there are numerous myths associated with Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe), and in this Iron Strong Blog, we’ll list some of those ideas, provide factual data, and discuss why they are simply misconceptions.
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Updates to Envision® and How Ductile Iron Excels in The New Rating System
07/23/2020 In Environmental & Safety Installation ProductsThis Blog Reflects Significant Updates for Envision Manual V3. As we know, America's infrastructure is in crisis! According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the estimated investment needed is $1 Trillion over the next 25 years for underground water infrastructure. This investment, as well as the ever-increasing cost of electricity, limited water supply, ever-decreasing natural resources, and environmental concerns, are driving the need for change. Change on how infrastructure is designed and constructed – utilizing more sustainable design and construction practices. ENVISION is designed to provide guidelines for these changes to North American infrastructure. In short, it is a rating system approach very similar to LEED Building Certification; however, with the focus on infrastructure.
Envision not only asks, ‘Are we doing the project right?’ but also, ‘Are we doing the right project?’
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The McWane Ductile Universal Test Facility - Improving Products Today for Your Tomorrow!
01/30/2019 In Environmental & Safety Services TechnicalMoving Forward
Presently, in our industry, two essential components of a successful business include providing water professionals with high-quality, sustainable products in a timely manner, as well as offering outstanding customer service.
However, continued success in our industry depends on the ability of a company to make continuous improvements. In other words, if we do not move forward, we are not only standing still but moving in reverse.
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What Trenching and Excavation Guidelines are Important when Installing Ductile Iron Pipe?
01/07/2022 In Environmental & Safety InstallationHave you ever been asked what size trench is needed when installing Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe)? How safe are the working conditions within a trench? Knowing the proper trench to utilize during the installation of the material will help save time, effort, and money on any job site. But most importantly, this knowledge will help keep everyone safe within and around the trench. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has gone to great lengths to define and identify any threats in the trenching and excavation safety when installing DI pipe. This Iron Strong Blog will share and explain the different trenches available while outlining the safety considerations required when excavating earthen material.
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Gaskets, Goblins, and Ghouls, Oh My! A Cure from the Ditch Doctor
10/31/2024 In How Products Q&A TechnicalWelcome 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.
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TR FLEX PIPE: The Truth About Availability and Pressure Ratings
11/14/2024 In Products TechnicalMisleading 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.
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The What, Why, and How of Continuing Education for Civil Engineers
12/14/2023 In Our Company TechnicalAfter completing my continuing education lunch presentation on restrained joints and horizontal directional drilling for a civil engineering office and reminding the group to sign the sign-in sheet to verify their attendance, I had a younger engineer approach me to ask a question. The question was whether I knew how many continuing education hours his state required and what information he needed to confirm his attendance for the continuing education activity. Those questions are relatively common, and this #IronStrong Blog will focus on answering what continuing education hours are, why civil engineers need them, and how they get them.
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What Training Resources Does McWane Ductile Provide?
08/09/2021 In Our Company ServicesAt McWane Ductile, we believe that training and continuous education for our staff and customers are vital to a company's success. Because of this, we offer a wide variety of training opportunities for water professionals throughout the industry. Here are the many training resources available to you.
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UPDATED - Ductile Iron Pipe Versus HDPE - A Comparative Narrative
05/29/2025 In Comparisons Products TechnicalSelecting the right pipe material is essential for the longevity and success of any water infrastructure project. While Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) each offer distinct benefits, their differences in strength, performance, and long-term cost are significant. This article serves as a refresh of our previously published article in November 2019. It outlines key comparisons to help engineers and specifiers make informed decisions based on project-specific conditions, such as soil type, pressure, and environmental factors.
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What Type of Ductile Iron Pipe Joint Is Right for You?
03/08/2021 In Installation Products TechnicalThere are a variety of Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) joints on the market. These different types of joint designs can now allow for additional benefits for various applications. Joining pipe together is just as important as the pipe itself. It sounds like a simple procedure, but the environment in which the pipe is assembled is critical.
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