en.Wedoany.com Reported - A groundbreaking research report commissioned by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and carried out by the University of Sheffield has recently been released. By establishing a model for the deterioration evolution of grey cast iron pipes, this study has for the first time verified that micro-cracks in the pipes can achieve "self-healing" closure when internal pressure is reduced. This advancement provides global water operators with a high-resolution risk assessment tool, aiding in the achievement of the 2050 zero-leakage target.

This research focuses on the vast number of aging grey cast iron pipes managed by the UK water sector, many of which were laid between the two World Wars. Using high-speed photography and destructive laboratory testing, the research team observed fatigue cracks developing from artificially created corrosion pits. Concurrently, they employed numerical analysis to study the stress response of cast iron pipes during pressure transients caused by valve closures or pump operations.

The study found that when internal pipe pressure is reduced, micro-cracks can close due to internal stresses generated by the material's residual strength, thereby temporarily preventing leaks. This phenomenon provides water companies with a time window to plan maintenance interventions before cracks develop into irreversible ruptures.

The research revealed two key factors affecting fatigue strength. Firstly, fatigue strength is significantly influenced by the specific geometry of corrosion pits and particular combinations of loads. Secondly, under biaxial fatigue stress that is 180 degrees out of phase, the fatigue strength of uniformly corroded pipes can be reduced by up to 28%.

Based on these findings, the research team constructed a validated high-resolution assessment model. This model can help network operators assess the leakage risk of specific grey cast iron assets. By accurately capturing pressure cycles, water companies can shift towards targeted, proactive asset replacement strategies before the "self-healing" phase fails.

Mike Ross, CEO of UK Water Industry Research, stated that this collaborative research provides scientific insights into common challenges faced by water operators, with its outcomes directly serving the industry's strategic goal of reducing leakage. This model offers a quantitative tool for managing the extensive stock of grey cast iron infrastructure and optimizing the prioritization of asset replacement.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com