Investigating large gray cast iron pipe failures: a step by step approach

Pipe failures are a common problem for all water utilities. This paper describes a step by step approach for determining the causes of those failures. This process is particularly important for investigating failures in important pipelines where the failure may have had significant social or economic costs. The steps presented include actions that should be taken to prepare for a failure analysis, work that should be done during the repair of the failed pipe and the failure analysis itself. These steps are intended to provide suggestions for water utilities and their consultants in dealing with failures of gray cast iron pipe, not as prescriptive guidelines.