Failure Analyses

A Failed Bridge Recoat: What Went Wrong?

In this “Never Again” article, Jon Cavallo explores whether the role of solvents and/or thinners is simply to control viscosity. As part of this review, an investigation of observed bridge coating failures near Panama City, Florida, USA, was conducted on several fronts.

3-D Technology Reveals Corrosion Secrets in Power Plants

Researchers at Penn State University, sponsored by the EPRI, are applying non-destructive, 3-D technology to study corrosion in the power plant industry. They are examining how contaminants in water cycles affect the integrity of steel pipes and tubing in power generation systems.

New Tool Aims to Enhance Risk-Based Corrosion Assessments

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), a cross-industry technology development consortium, has developed a corrosion risk-based assessment tool to identify vulnerabilities early. In turn, it allows for more proactive mitigation strategies.

Coatings & Linings: Proof Is Integrity

Many pipeline companies ignore the occurrence of external corrosion when cathodic protection (CP) is considered adequate. In these situations, understanding the failure mode of the coating and why CP cannot adequately protect the pipe under certain disbonded coating types is critical.

Gas Pipeline Replacement Problems in Urban Areas

By using a combination of metal and polyethylene pipes in the new pipeline network and increasing the electrical resistance of the interference circuit, the problem of cathodic protection (CP) interference in the new network was solved.

Researchers Use Machine Learning to Detect Pitting Corrosion

In their 2024 AMPP paper, these authors proposed a technique for early-stage pitting detection through machine learning. Pitting is a localized form of corrosion that can cause cavities and structural failure in metallic materials, and it can be challenging to detect and prevent.

New Study Explores Water Main Break Rates in North America

According to Utah State’s primary researcher involved in the study, one of the most important indicators for identifying failing pipelines is water main break rates. Pipe performance continues to be impacted by soil corrosivity, and the replacement of asbestos cement and cast-iron pipe is creating a shift in predominant pipe materials.

Never Again: An Inspection of a Water Tower

After finding a water leak from its holding tank, the owner/operator of a town water tower reached out to Total Access Solutions Co. (TASC) to request an inspection. One TASC got on site, investigators were able to deduce more information about the potential cause(s) of the premature failure.

Condition Assessment of Aging Concrete Structures: Part 1

This two-part article reviews the corrosion risk assessment, structural considerations, and engineering solutions for the steel-reinforced structural elements of an aging concrete building. This building had exhibited accelerated corrosion in corrosive environments.

Corrosion Basics: Polymeric Materials

When compared with metals, polymeric materials tend to be more resistant to chloride ions and hydrochloric acid. However, polymeric materials are generally weaker and softer; less resistant to concentrated sulfuric and oxidizing acids and solvents; and subject to temperature limitations.

Scientists Discover Self-Healing, Anti-Corrosion Polymer

Based largely on its self-healing ability under corrosion attack, scientists believe they have found an anti-corrosion polymer that “represents a promising thermoplastic alternative to the thermosetting resins commonly used for metallic corrosion protection.

External Corrosion Sparked Canadian Gas Pipeline Rupture, Fire

In a newly released investigative report, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada says external corrosion led to a natural gas pipeline rupture near Fox Creek, Alberta, which caused an explosion and fire near a small community.

Texas Awards Grant to Evaluate Aging Highway Bridges

The Texas Department of Transportation issued a three-year grant to evaluate deteriorating and aging highway bridges. The approach includes non-destructive evaluation, on-site load testing, and computer simulations to help engineers determine the current bridge conditions.

Never Again: Dealing With the CUI Phenomenon

In this case study, significant corrosion was observed on lines supplying air handling units and swimming pools at a Dubai hotel. According to the client, the chilled water application system was installed three years prior and initially handled by a maintenance contractor before being handed over to the asset owner.

NIST Updates Investigation of Champlain Towers Collapse

In a recent National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee meeting, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigators shared details of their investigation into the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida, USA.