Installing Tapping and Plugging Fittings on Concrete Cylinder Pipe for Effective Pipeline Modification and Repair

This paper discusses installing tapping and plugging fittings on concrete cylinder pipe for effective pipeline modification and repair. Rather than a technical discussion of a methodology to develop and analyze data, the author, based upon 10 years of experience as senior project manager for a global organization that, among other things, executed large diameter high pressure tapping and plugging projects, including concrete cylinder pipes, believed that it would be of interest to civil engineers to have additional information related to tapping and plugging the aforementioned pipe beyond that information usually available in some water works association publications. Topics included in the discussion are: tapping and plugging configuration and sequence; cylinder pipe cross sections; procedures and specifications for tapping and plugging; selection and design of appropriate fittings; proper fitting installation to achieve a positive seal on the pipe; and procedures for effective project execution. Except as otherwise indicated herein, the statements contained in this document are authoritative to the extent they reflect the above indicated experience of the author. This does not preclude that the experience and resulting conclusions of others may differ.