UM Closed-Form Solution App: An Analytical Framework and Predictive Tool for the Capacity Estimation of Pre-Stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe with Broken Wires

Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipes (PCCPs) are critical components of water distribution systems, providing a reliable conduit for the transportation of clean water to communities worldwide. However, the structural integrity of PCCPs can be compromised when they experience wire breakages due to various factors, including age, corrosion, and external loading. Accurate estimation of the remaining load-carrying capacity of PCCPs with broken wires is essential for assessing their structural health and making informed decisions regarding maintenance, repair, or replacement. In this paper, the authors present a novel analytical framework based on three-dimensional elasticity and develop a predictive tool, UM Closed-Form Solution App, for estimating the capacity of PCCPs with broken wires. The App integrates mathematical modeling, closed-form solutions, and user-designed functions to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for engineers and asset managers in the field of civil and environmental engineering. A refined finite element (FE) model and two groups of FE results were used to validate the functionality up to include the yield state. This model estimates yield limit, instead of ultimate strength, to improve functionality of the tool. The results show that the UM Closed-Form Solution App represents a significant advancement in the field of PCCP assessment and management, offering a cost-effective alternative tool for infrastructure stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the rehabilitation and maintenance of PCCPs with broken wires.