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Evaluation of Principal Spillway Conduit Life

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 7(3): 331-337. (doi: 10.13031/2013.26231) @1991
Authors:   J. K. Koelliker, A. N. Lin, C. H. Best
Keywords:   Conduits, Corrosion, Dams, Inspection, Pipes, Spillways

Visual inspection of soil and water sampling near 38 principal spillway conduits in Kansas PL-566 watershed dams were used to determine overall condition and obtain estimates of the expected average life of various conduit materials. Corrugated metal and C-76 reinforced concrete pipes had the lowest ratings and shortest expected average life of all materials in the sample. Expected life of corrugated metal was limited primarily by corrosion and leakage at joints. Most C-76 pipes were cracked. Lined welded steel and C-301 concrete steel cylinder pipes had the longest expected average life. Unlined welded steel pipes were usually corroded, while welded steel pipes lined with cement mortar or coal tar enamel were less corroded. C-301 steel cylinder concrete pipe was generally in excellent condition except for minor cracking of the lining and minor corrosion of the steel at a few joints. Some relationships between the expected life of conduits and environmental conditions were also found.

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