Condition Assessment of Composite Pipelines

Project ID: 1701
Principal Investigator: Atousa Plaseied
Research Topic: Condition Assessment
Funded Fiscal Years: 2017
Keywords: None

Research Question

How can non-destructive inspection methods be used at Reclamation to assess the condition and predict remaining service life of new and existing composite pipelines?
The goal of this study is to evaluate commercially-available non-destructive inspection methods for detecting and monitoring defects on composite structures. This research would primarily be focused on FRP composite pipelines, but many techniques could also be extended to other Reclamation FRP composite structures, such as gates, tanks, gratings, etc.

Need and Benefit

Need: The Bureau of Reclamation's Research and Development Office has published research road-mapping reports identifying the organization's research needs. From Table B1, Item #1 found in the Draft version Technical Memorandum No. 8540-2016-09, "Research Priorities to Enhance Pipeline Infrastructure Sustainability", there is a need to develop or evaluate NDT techniques for detecting cracks and other deficiencies.
Benefit: The benefits of this investigation for Reclamation are listed below:
- Avoid unexpected or catastrophic failures through routine inspection
- Avoid unnecessary and costly repairs and maintenance by detecting problems early
- Predict future repairs or replacements
- Assist planning of maintenance budgets

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Condition Assessment of Composite Pipelines (final, PDF, 2.6MB)
By Bill Kepler
Research Product completed on September 30, 2017

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Condition Assessment of FRP Composite Pipe and Tanks (final, PDF, 1.3MB)
By William Kepler, Atousa Plaseied
Report completed on September 30, 2017

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Condition Assessment of Composite Pipelines (final, PDF, 2.6MB)
By Bill Kepler
Research Product completed on September 30, 2017

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20