Service Life of Aluminized Type 2 Coated Steel Pipe: Predictions vs. Actual
The pipe culverts in question are, at the time of this inspection, approximately 33 years old. This inspection consisted of visual observations of the inside (water side) of the culverts. Usually the water side of metal pipe experience earlier and greater wear than the soil side because of service conditions (including abrasion), oxygen exposure, and replenishment. The lowest water pH and resistivity for those sites as shown in the aforementioned report are 7.0 and 2609 respectively. Most are higher than 7.0 and 5000 and, therefore, not considered harsh conditions by traditional environmental criteria. It is apparent that abrasion is a factor and should be considered as such in any metal pipe durability assessment.