Reliability and material failure analysis of water and wastewater systems: Case studies

Abstract This chapter introduces the subject of failed water and wastewater pipes from the perspective of materials failure analysis. It starts by presenting general information about the water and wastewater sector in different countries, as well as the range of materials found in real networks. Particular attention has been paid to the analysis of damage as a function of pipe material and their reliability specified by their failure rate. Later in the chapter, examples of serious failures in water supply and wastewater disposal systems are presented as case studies, demonstrating that problems related to water distribution and sewage disposal have been accruing for several years.