Breaking the Maintenance Cycle with Corrosion-Resistant Wastewater Infrastructure
Municipalities across the U.S. are under pressure to do more with less—aging infrastructure, limited budgets, and increasing maintenance demands. When it comes to protecting manholes from corrosion, the traditional approach of field-applied coatings may seem cost-effective upfront, but it often leads to a costly cycle of repeat maintenance.
In the April issue of Municipal Sewer & Water Magazine, NWPX Geneva’s Alena Mikhaylova, Ph.D., takes a closer look at why that cycle persists—and how a lifecycle-based approach can change the equation: “Most municipalities look only at the annual budget…not the total cost over 50 years. When they do that math, the picture changes dramatically.”
The article explores several key considerations, including:
The Cost of Recoating Cycles
Coating systems typically require reapplication every 7–10 years, bringing added costs for labor, bypassing, traffic control, and inspection. Over time, these recurring efforts can far exceed the initial savings and lock municipalities into a reactive maintenance cycle.
Built-In Durability
Lined concrete manholes integrate corrosion protection directly into the structure during manufacturing. With mechanically embedded liners designed to resist H₂S and other aggressive conditions, these systems eliminate the risk of delamination and significantly reduce maintenance over time.
Lined Concrete vs. Polymer Concrete
Polymer concrete offers corrosion resistance, but at a higher cost and with added challenges in handling, repair, and availability. Lined concrete provides a more balanced solution—delivering comparable durability while maintaining the strength and accessibility of traditional precast.
Shifting to Lifecycle Value
As municipalities adopt more proactive asset management strategies, the focus is shifting from upfront cost to total lifecycle performance. Solutions that reduce maintenance frequency, minimize operational disruption, and extend service life are becoming the new standard.
For a deeper look at lifecycle cost comparisons, material performance, and long-term planning considerations, read the full article:
