The Buffalo-Niagra metropolitan area is the second largest region in New York State. In the 1970s, 30” prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) manufactured by Interpace was installed near an electric grid system. PCCP made by Interpace during this time period was made with defective materials and poor practices. After years of leaks and frustration with the Interpace pipe, Erie County Water Authority sought replacement. Corrosive soils, a five-lane highway, and overhead power lines meant multiple considerations from the ground up.
After the Interpace pipe problems, process and material improvements were put in place. Thompson Pipe Group PCCP has provided superior performance for decades. As the only pipe material specified for this project, engineers knew it could withstand corrosive materials and stray currents from overhead power lines. Additionally, Thompson Pipe Group PCCP offers ease of installation for open cut and trenchless sections of the pipeline, testable joints, and affordability.
The project included 3,100 linear feet of of Thompson Pipe Group 36” PCCP, and five bores required 60” steel casing. Thompson Pipe Group manufacturers trenchless PCCP with raised mortar coated skids which eliminate supplemental casing spacer failures. The rubber and steel gasketed joint rings provide a positive leak-free seal. This project incorporated testable joints which allow the contractor to receive immediate feedback on the integrity of the joints. This ensures a leak-free hydrostatic test. Harness clamp joints provided restraint where necessary. The two-part harness clamp is positioned around the joint and secured simply by tightening drawbolts on each side of the pipe. Joints are covered in thick cement-rich mortar coating. No welding or cathodic protection required.
