Sinkhole Repair/Pipe Replacement at N. Court & Spanish Oak

February 27 - March 7, 2012
The sinkhole was caused by the deterioration of a corrugated metal pipe under Court Street. The metal pipe is deteriorated by the constant flow of water over the life of the pipe. This water carries sediment and sand which, when moved by the water, are abrasive and cut into the pipe material. Eventually, as is the case here, the bottom of the pipe fails completely and the loss of soil around the pipe begins. When it rains, the soil above the pipe falls into the failed pipe and causes a cavity or void above the pipe. When this void becomes large enough and the weight of the overlying soil is heavy enough, the overlying soil caves in. The caving in of the soil leaves the appearance of a sink hole. Once the sink hole has made it to the surface, rain causes the soil to enter the failed pipe easily and maintenance becomes a constant necessity. The solution to this sink hole is to replace the old, failing corrugated metal pipe. The pipe was replaced with reinforced concrete pipe which has a useful life expectancy of 50 or more years.

This project cost $48,601.00.

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                          © City of Prattville (Photos provided by contractor & City staff)