Implementing Advanced Technologies and Asset Management to Help Prioritize and Rehabilitate Critical Pressurized Pipeline Infrastructure by Mark Wade
Mark Wade’s presentation focused on the challenges facing water infrastructure and the importance of asset management strategies. He began by discussing the poor grades given to drinking water and wastewater systems in the ASCE infrastructure report card, highlighting the $1 trillion backlog for water infrastructure replacement. Wade emphasized the aging of buried water mains, with the average age projected to reach 50 years by 2050, exceeding the typical 50-year design life. He also addressed the issues surrounding asbestos-cement (AC) pipes, which are prevalent in states like Arizona and New Mexico, and the lack of immediate solutions. Regarding asset management, Wade explained the traditional life cycle of managing pipeline infrastructure, which involves multiple rounds of condition assessment, prioritization, and funding requests. He advocated for a more streamlined approach using asset management principles to improve efficiency and decision-making. Wade discussed the various tiers of tools and technologies available for data collection, from simple pressure monitoring to more advanced techniques like smart pigging and ground-penetrating radar. He stressed the importance of leak detection and the use of engineering students to conduct comprehensive system surveys. The presentation also covered the condition codes developed by NASCO for pressure pipelines and the use of risk matrices to prioritize assets based on likelihood of failure and consequences. Wade highlighted the role of artificial neural networks in assessing asset condition and remaining useful life. Finally, Wade encouraged attendees to explore the software platforms available for asset management and to consider attending conferences like the AWWA ACE to learn more about the latest tools and technologies. He provided his contact information for further assistance and shared details about his previous presentations on this topic.
Bio
Mark G. Wade, P.E., President, BlueWater Solutions Group, Inc.
Mark is President and a Senior Pipeline Technologist for BlueWater Solutions Group. This includes a wide range of buried pipeline infrastructure for municipal, commercial, federal, and industrial clients. Throughout his 46 years of experience in consulting engineering he has accumulated a broad range of experience for the improvement and management of water, wastewater, and stormwater conveyance systems. This includes planning, modeling, design, and asset management services. He has managed more than 1,100 projects and programs related to buried pipeline systems in North America, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Europe. Mark has also authored and presented nearly 100 technical papers related to conveyance system evaluation and rehabilitation. Several have been published in trade magazines, journals, manuals-of-practice, and books. He currently provides senior-level technology and project management oversight for several sewer assessment and rehabilitation projects, particularly large-diameter conveyance systems, in Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Florida, Kansas, and Iowa.