Post-perforation external corrosion of cast iron pressurised water mains

Abstract

The corroded external surfaces of older cast iron water mains buried in soils for many decades usually show a rough undulating topography. Sometimes, there also are areas of relatively smooth topography similar to uniform corrosion but over undulating surfaces. Investigations show this pattern is associated with localised pipe-wall perforation and sometimes pipe fracture. It is proposed that corrosion pitting from the outside surface of the pipe perforates the pipe-wall, allowing fresh oxygenated drinking water from inside the pipe to effuse through the orifice. This then causes a high rate of localised general corrosion under the graphitised layer. The resulting thinning of the pipe-wall may then lead to pipe fracture under high water pressure.