Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) is a type of concrete pipe that is reinforced with high-strength prestressing steel wires. Initially, the steel wires technology was chosen due to its cost-related competitive edge. Nevertheless, as time has passed, a notable number of structural failures have been documented with this pipeline type, leading to catastrophic events and significant disruptions in water supply. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) offer a multitude of benefits, encompassing high stiffness, elevated tensile strength, a favorable weight-to-strength ratio, minimal thermal expansion, as well as superior chemical, abrasion, and corrosion resistance. In the late 1990s, the introduction of CFRP marked a milestone in reinforcing large-diameter underground prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP). By the early 2000s, numerous municipal utilities had adopted the widespread use of CFRP lining to rehabilitate deteriorating PCCP, fulfilling the need of a more durable and cost-effective approach to respond to the urge of successive catastrophic failures of existing PCCP structures. Another advantage of using CFRP for strengthening of PCCP is that, it precludes the need for excavation of the pipe and is therefore advantageous where excavation is impossible or expensive to perform. Furthermore, the installation can be performed in few days which makes it advantageous in water supply pipes major repair, where the available time for repair is very limited. This project consists in the development of a novel structural protective liner composite based on an advanced resin system, formulated to ensure resistance and durability of concrete structures in aggressive environmental and chemical conditions. The resin system will be formulated for use in potable water and wastewater facilities to protect concrete, brick, masonry, and steel surfaces against sulfuric acid, gases, and other chemicals usually found in the wastewater headspace. Multiple fiber architecture will also be investigated in order to achieve optimum protective interface for renewal and strengthening of prestressed concrete cylinder pipes.