B&N partnered with the City of Akron, Ohio, to evaluate and recommend repairs for three critical potable water transmission mains: 24-inch (6,400 feet), 36-inch and 48-inch (each 18,000 feet long) steel lock-bar mains. These mains are essential to Akron’s water distribution system and required detailed analysis to assess their condition.
B&N conducted 25 targeted excavations, guided by historical leak data and City staff input, including nine each on the 36- and 48-inch mains and five on the 24-inch main. Two additional test pits were completed on a nearby 54-inch prestressed concrete cylinder pipe to understand system-wide conditions.
The study included:
- A comprehensive review of previous studies, GIS data and record drawings
- Environmental and subsurface testing by a corrosion specialist, including soil analysis and stray current evaluation
- Non-destructive pipe inspections using ultrasonic thickness testing and pitting assessments
The majority of the mains were in good condition. However, five sites showed severe corrosion—primarily caused by stray current activity near a railway. Based on these findings, B&N recommended:
- Replacement of 4,000 feet of 48-inch pipe with severe bottom corrosion
- Replacement of 600 feet of 36-inch pipe with heavy pitting