Over the years, there have been numerous discussions as to the degree of interior cracking that can be tolerated in relation to the integrity and life expectancy of reinforced concrete pipe. Study the effects of an acid environment on the concrete and reinforcement exposed by cracksĮffects of Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Culvert Pipe.Develop load strain and load deflection information during three-edge-bearing tests of a representative pipe section up to the formation of both hairline and 0.01-in cracks.After installation, inspection reveal a longitudinal crack had developed at the inside crown of both size pipe. For this reason, the pipe inspection and construction engineering communities must fully understand the practical accuracy of using precision crack measurement technology.Įffects of Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Sanitary Sewer PipeĪ Sanitary Sewer line constructed for the Brazos River Authority contained both 30 and 42-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe with a 2-inch cover over the inner cage reinforcing to provide sacrificial concrete.

This, in turn, threatens the future of final inspection and crack measurements approximating crack widths when assessing pipe conditions. However, inconsistency and unreliability of field measurements erodes confidence in the inspection process. In general, pipe utility contractors have come to accept and support final inspection results. This results in inaccurate crack measurements. Pipe industry professionals have observed the use of precision measurement technology without a full appreciation of the limitations of the equipment and the human factors involved. All parties involved should be aware of the insignificance of a 0.01-inch crack. Spangler, a well-respected authority and early pioneer in the design of concrete pipe, should be taken into consideration when designing, installing, inspecting, or funding a project using reinforced concrete pipe, (RCP). Such a conclusion is utterly ridiculous and represents a disservice, not only to the concrete pipe industry, but taxpayers as well.” This quote from Professor M.G. “Some engineers insist that a crack in a concrete pipe in excess of 0.01-inch represents a failure or partial failure situation. Cracks in Installed Reinforced Concrete Pipe

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