Introduction of the leak-before-break (LBB) concept for cast iron water pipes on the basis of laboratory experiments

Failure of cast iron water mains in Australia is a common occurrence. Water utilities are seeking solutions to optimise the renewal and rehabilitation of ageing cast iron critical water mains (diameter ≥ 300 mm). Failure pressures of three large-diameter cast iron pipe specimens (600 mm in diameter) were tested. A large corrosion patch was machined onto each pipe section to initiate pipe failure. A large corrosion patch and significant reduction...