Sewer-Main Collection Pipe Joint Infiltration Testing and Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Research Projects Major members of the sewer-main pipe manufacturing industry and the University of Houston have completed and published the results of the following two research projects:The Sewer-Main Collection Pipe Joint Infiltration Testing research project that measured the water infiltration rate of water-tight designed 30-inch pipe joints. The joint tightness testing was conducted at a minimum hydrostatic head of 15 feet (i.e., 7 psi) under axial, shear loaded and angularly deflected conditions.The Life Cycle Cost Model research project developed an interactive model to estimate the costs of constructing, rehabilitating, operating and maintaining sewer mains under various infiltration levels over a 30-year life. The model has been calibrated with published data and may be used to compare different rehabilitation and maintenance scenarios to identify the most cost effective sewer main design.