V&A Consulting Engineers, Inc. (V&A) was retained by Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) to perform a non-destructive condition assessment and corrosion evaluation of the Cedar Creek Dam Pipeline. Constructed circa 1961, the pipeline connects the Cedar Creek Reservoir to Cedar Creek through a 10-ft diameter reinforced concrete tunnel. The pipeline is constructed of 60-inch welded steel pipe and is approximately 400-ft in length. The tunnel access point is located below the surrounding terrain, making it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall and exposing the pipeline to external corrosion.
The assessment of the Cedar Creek Dam Pipeline consisted of a visual assessment, ultrasonic thickness testing, and dry film thickness testing to determine the baseline condition and identify areas of higher corrosion for further investigation. Electromagnetic (EM) thickness testing was then performed in areas of concern for more comprehensive wall thickness analysis over a greater surface area, scanning the large diameter pipe from crown to invert and around its entire circumference at various locations. UT, DFT, and EM testing were performed without requiring bare metal contact, allowing for the original coating to remain intact. The condition assessment helped to determine the existing condition of the critical pipeline and ultimately provide critical insight including repair and rehabilitation recommendations to TRWD for capital improvement planning.
