Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipes (PCCP) are used in large-diameter water and wastewater pipelines throughout the United States to convey large volumes of water. Due to the very aggressive environments, most water, wastewater, utility and power facilities have developed proactive methods to assess and monitor the condition of their PCCP(s). A PCCP consists of a thin water-tight steel cylinder that is lined or embedded with concrete prior to being spirally wrapped with high strength steel wire under very high tension. The prestressing wire ensures that the concrete core will remain in compression.
Failure in a single PCCP can have a significant impact on the operation of an entire pipeline system. Failures of pipeline systems have resulted in severe safety, health, economic and political impacts. Failures of PCCPs typically occur when the wires loose their prestress and operating pressures exceed their design limits, or from other factors such as corrosion. Access, confined space and short shutdown times are just a few factors that contribute to the challenges of repairing and strengthening a PCCP.
Structural Preservation Systems (SPS) has been effectively utilizing Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) technology to repair PCCPs throughout the United States. Our teams of specialists, trained in safety and specialized systems, can work around the clock, 365 days a year, to safely complete PCCP repairs under the tightest schedules and toughest working conditions.