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How is Ductile Iron Pipe a Highly Adaptable Option for Waterworks Infrastructure?
08/15/2024As a Sales Operations Manager in the waterworks industry, I recently attended the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE24) in Anaheim, California. This annual conference focuses on product innovations and the latest technological advancements in water infrastructure.
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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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How to Minimize Jobsite Issues During a Pipeline Installation Project
08/20/2021 In Installation ServicesThe goal for every pipeline project is to install the pipe and related appurtenances successfully within the timeframe and budget that the contractor bid the project. Sometimes, however, issues arise that may cause potential delays. These delays can cost time and money. The good news is that there are ways to help minimize these occurrences with proper training and product understanding. In this Iron Strong Blog, we will discuss how a project can get off to a good start and lead to a successful installation.
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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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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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HOW MANY RESTRAINED JOINTS DO I NEED WHEN DESIGNING A PROJECT?
12/19/2024 In Products TechnicalWhat 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.
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Young Water Professionals - A Guide to Success
02/14/2025 In Career ResourcesAs a junior and senior in college, I spent a lot of time asking those I looked up to in the workforce, such as my parents, friend's parents, and professors, what I should expect from my professional career. Majoring as a mechanical engineer, I was worried I would be required to remember and be fresh on every equation or theory in thermodynamics, materials science, and all my other brain-twisting courses. Luckily, the water industry found me, and it came paired with quite a few resources to help me excel as a young professional.
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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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What is Ceramawrap Epoxy and When Should You Specify It for Ductile Iron Pipe?
01/28/2026 In Products Technical"In this #IronStrong Blog, we will discuss the characteristics of Ceramawrap and how its application to Ductile iron pipe can extend the life and durability of your pipeline system.
Latest Posts
- Are Your Water and Wastewater Specifications Keeping Up With Change? 09/02/2026 In Environmental & Safety How To Specifications Technical
- TR Flex® Restrained Joints and Pressure Ratings – How Much Do You Really Need? 08/27/2026 In Products Technical What is
- The Case for Cupola Melting in Large-Volume Ductile Iron Pipe Facilities 06/19/2026 In Comparisons Technical What is
- The Future Is Now: How the Water Industry Is Revolutionizing 01/29/2026 In Products Technical Technology Training

