The role of soil in the external corrosion of cast iron water mains in Toronto, Canada

Abstract

External corrosion is a major factor contributing to the deterioration of cast iron water mains; it weakens the pipe wall, which increases the risk of failure. External corrosion is a function of the interaction between the pipeline and the soil that surrounds it. The aggressiveness of soil towards cast iron is affected by soil properties such as resistivity, pH, and the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria. Water main sections and accompanying soil samples were collected from locations across Toronto within the framework of a comprehensive research project over a 2 year period. After careful examination of the effect of each of the soil properties, it appears that soil resistivity has the largest effect on the observed maximum average pitting rate. Limitations to the practical application of the American Water Works Association soil corrosiveness scoring system are also presented. A preliminary spatial analysis of the data indicates that water mains in the district of Etobicoke have had a higher average rate of external corrosion than those in the district of Toronto. Microbiological corrosion could be an aggravating factor in the district of Etobicoke, since areas exhibiting increased levels of sulphide concentration were identified in soils that had originated from this district.Key words: water mains, external corrosion, soil properties, Toronto, cast iron, pipes.