Pickleballs and Patience: Thinking Outside the Box to Inspect a Critical 108-in. Force Main

Force mains are essential components of wastewater systems, constituting about 7.5% of the total infrastructure, and their failure can have severe consequences. A significant portion of force main failures—nearly 50%—is attributed to corrosion, while surge pressure and joint leakage account for an additional 25%, indicating that over 70% of these failures could be prevented with effective management programs. This case study focuses on a critical 33,500 linear feet Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) force main, constructed between 1969 and 1973, which has raised concerns due to its age and a previous failure linked to corrosion from gas pockets. To assess its condition without invasive methods, a screening level assessment utilizing INGU Pipers, an innovative free-swimming sensor platform, was recommended to identify leaks and air pockets. The deployment of these sensors in the large pipeline presented challenges due to limited access points, emphasizing the need for tailored inspection strategies that leverage innovative technologies to ensure the longevity and reliability of these vital assets.