Comprehensive Condition Assessment Improves Reliability of a 150-Year-Old Critical Water Transmission Main

The Greenmount Avenue Water Transmission Main is a 150-year-old 36-in. diameter pit cast iron pipe, a critical asset in the Baltimore’s water distribution system. With aging water main and the history of breaks, the City decided to conduct full condition assessment of this critical supply main, with the primary objective to determine the remaining useful life of the pipeline. Various condition assessment methods used included Forensic Analysis of the pipe coupons, Soil Chemistry Analysis, Visual Inspection of the exterior of the pipeline, and Leak Detection and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection. This case study focuses on the methodology, findings, results of the condition assessment, and proposed measures to improve the reliability of this important asset.