Pilot Project and Validation of Non-Invasive Pipeline Assessment for Localized Wall Loss Detection

The City of Gresham, Oregon, manages over 386 km of water mains using a risk-based approach to prioritize replacements. For pipelines installed before 1980, Gresham refines Likelihood of Failure scores by combining historical leak data with condition-based remaining useful life estimates, ensuring efficient asset management. In November 2023, Gresham piloted KenWave Solutions’ non-invasive Dynamic Response Imaging (DRI) technology, which uses non-linear vibroacoustic testing to detect localized wall loss and leaks. The assessment covered 1,076 m of 150 mm to 250 mm cast iron and ductile iron pipes, providing residual wall thickness measurements over 6-ft intervals. Validation through excavations and ultrasonic measurements at seven locations confirmed DRI’s accuracy in identifying both deteriorated and sound areas. These results enhance decision-making, improve resource allocation, and now inform rehabilitation plans and Likelihood of Failure scores, reducing service disruptions and optimizing infrastructure investments.