KenWave Solutions https://kenwavesolutions.com/ Condition Assessment of Critical Water Infrastructure Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:28:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://kenwavesolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Logo-KenWave-Blue-with-Wordmark-1.png KenWave Solutions https://kenwavesolutions.com/ 32 32 OWWA NextWave 2026 Conference https://kenwavesolutions.com/owwa-nextwave-2026/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:22:38 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=382 KenWave will be at OWWA NextWave 2026 in Niagara Falls (May 4–7), exhibiting at Booth #701 and presenting with Peel Region on how vibroacoustic inspection data supports risk-based watermain renewal planning.

The post OWWA NextWave 2026 Conference appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

OWWA NextWave 2026 Conference

The Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) NextWave Conference brings together utility leaders, engineers, and operators focused on advancing water system performance through innovation, asset management, and practical field solutions. Hosted at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, this year’s event runs from May 4–7, 2026 and highlights technologies and strategies that support resilient, data-driven infrastructure planning.

KenWave will be exhibiting at Booth #701 and presenting alongside Peel Region on how external vibroacoustic inspection data is being integrated into real-world asset management frameworks. Visit us to see how utilities are moving beyond traditional condition assumptions toward calibrated, data-informed renewal planning.

Why Visit KenWave at OWWA

See how inspection data becomes actionable asset intelligence.

  • Understand how DRI™ integrates into existing asset management frameworks
  • Learn how utilities are calibrating deterioration models with field data
  • Explore a scalable alternative to inline inspection for metallic pipelines
  • See how localized condition insights support risk-based renewal decisions
  • Discuss real-world deployment, data outputs, and implementation workflows
Kenwave staff at AWWA ACE25
pipeline condition assessment and rehab workshop

Workshops & Sessions

Turning Pipe Vibrations into Renewal Priorities: Peel’s Data-Driven Approach

Wednesday, May 6th @ 1:30pm ET

Speakers:

  • Imran Motala, Peel Region
  • Sebastien Perrier, KenWave

Peel Region operates one of Canada’s largest water distribution systems, with over 4,700 km of watermains and more than 420 km of aging metallic infrastructure requiring proactive renewal planning.

In this session, Peel will present how they evaluated multiple condition assessment approaches and integrated external vibroacoustic inspection data into their Decision Support System. By calibrating deterioration models with field-validated data, Peel has improved prediction accuracy, reduced uncertainty, and strengthened its ability to prioritize high-risk assets.

This is a practical look at how inspection data moves beyond reporting and into capital planning decisions.

 

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external technology

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Meet us at the show!

Connect with us by sending a message and we will schedule a call.

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post OWWA NextWave 2026 Conference appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> Extending the Life of a 93-Year-Old Water Main: Lessons from Baltimore https://kenwavesolutions.com/baltimore-93-year-old-water-main-life-extension-dri/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:27:19 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=376 A Trenchless Technology feature highlights how RJN deployed a licensed implementation of KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging (DRI) solution to assess and extend the life of a 93-year-old Baltimore water main. The project demonstrates how non-destructive condition assessment enables evidence-based lifecycle decisions for aging transmission infrastructure.

The post Extending the Life of a 93-Year-Old Water Main: Lessons from Baltimore appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

Extending the Life of a 93-Year-Old Water Main: Lessons from Baltimore

Image courtesy of RJN / Trenchless Technology

Across North America, utilities are confronting the same reality: critical transmission mains installed in the early 20th century are approaching or exceeding their nominal design life. The question facing asset managers is no longer whether these assets are aging, but whether replacement is always necessary.

A recent feature in Trenchless Technology highlights how RJN Group Inc. supported the City of Baltimore in extending the service life of a 93-year-old water main using advanced acoustic condition assessment. RJN’s method, known as AVA, is a licensed deployment of KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging (DRI) technology.

The project provides a powerful example of how non-destructive condition assessment can shift infrastructure decisions from assumption-based replacement to data-driven lifecycle management.

The Challenge of Aging Transmission Infrastructure

Large-diameter metallic and concrete cylinder water mains installed in the 1920s and 1930s were engineered to serve growing cities for generations. Many of these assets remain in operation today, forming the backbone of municipal water transmission systems.

However, utilities face significant uncertainty:

  • Has wall deterioration reached a critical threshold?
  • Is localized pitting progressing toward failure?
  • Does the pipe require full replacement, sectional rehabilitation, or continued monitoring?

Without direct wall condition data, utilities often rely on age, break history, or surrogate indicators to inform capital planning. This can lead to premature replacement, emergency failures, or misallocated capital budgets.

Baltimore’s situation reflects a broader North American trend. Transmission mains are aging, but replacement costs are escalating. Municipalities must balance risk, reliability, and long-term affordability.

A Non-Destructive Alternative to Excavation

In the Baltimore case, RJN deployed AVA, a licensed implementation of KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging technology.

DRI works by introducing controlled vibration signals into the pipeline at predefined access points. These signals are tuned to interact with the pipe material and geometry. The acoustic response is captured and analyzed to infer wall condition, localized deterioration, and structural integrity, without excavation or service interruption.

This approach enables utilities to:

  • Assess remaining wall thickness
  • Identify areas of accelerated deterioration
  • Prioritize localized intervention
  • Defer unnecessary replacement

Instead of relying on assumptions tied to age alone, decision-makers gain quantitative insight into actual structural condition.

Moving from Age-Based to Condition-Based Decisions

The Baltimore project illustrates an important shift in infrastructure strategy.

Historically, aging mains often triggered blanket replacement programs. While conservative, this strategy can consume capital that might otherwise address higher-risk assets elsewhere in the system.

By leveraging advanced acoustic condition assessment, utilities can:

  • Validate structural capacity
  • Quantify remaining service life
  • Identify segments requiring targeted rehabilitation
  • Extend asset life safely and strategically

In Baltimore’s case, the 93-year-old water main did not represent an immediate end-of-life condition. Instead, condition assessment provided evidence to support informed, risk-based planning.

For asset managers operating under constrained capital budgets, this is not simply a technical advantage. It is a financial and governance imperative.

Implications for Utilities Across North America

Baltimore is not unique. Major metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada operate transmission mains approaching a century in service.

The implications are significant:

  • Replacement of large-diameter transmission mains can cost tens of millions of dollars per segment.
  • Emergency failures can disrupt communities and damage public trust.
  • Blanket replacement strategies are rarely aligned with optimal capital allocation.

Condition assessment technologies such as DRI, deployed directly or through licensed partners such as RJN, allow utilities to transition toward evidence-based asset management.

This approach aligns with modern risk frameworks, asset management standards, and long-term financial sustainability objectives.

Independent Validation in a Leading Industry Publication

The feature in Trenchless Technology provides independent industry recognition of this approach in action. As a leading trade publication serving the underground infrastructure sector, coverage in Trenchless Technology reinforces the technical credibility of advanced condition assessment methodologies.

For KenWave, the Baltimore deployment demonstrates the real-world impact of licensed DRI implementations in complex urban environments. For utilities evaluating their own aging infrastructure portfolios, it offers a practical example of how data-driven insight can replace uncertainty.

Learn More

The full project story, including details on the Baltimore deployment, can be read in the original Trenchless Technology article:

City of Baltimore Extends the Life of a 93-Year-Old Water Main
https://trenchlesstechnology.com/city-of-baltimore-extends-the-life-of-a-93-year-old-water-main/

If your utility is evaluating aging transmission mains and seeking a non-destructive, evidence-based approach to lifecycle extension, KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging technology can provide the structural insight required to inform responsible capital planning.

Aging does not automatically mean replacement. With accurate condition data, it can mean strategic extension.

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external platform

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post Extending the Life of a 93-Year-Old Water Main: Lessons from Baltimore appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> Region of Peel: Large-Scale Metallic Watermain Condition Assessment https://kenwavesolutions.com/peel-region-metallic-pipeline-condition/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:18:55 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=371 The Region of Peel assessed over 50 km (31 mi) of metallic watermains using non-invasive vibroacoustic inspection to strengthen its risk-based renewal framework. By integrating Dynamic Response Imaging™ data into its Decision Support System, the Region improved deterioration modeling, prioritized 22 km of high-risk mains for renewal, and optimized long-term capital planning.

The post Region of Peel: Large-Scale Metallic Watermain Condition Assessment appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

Region of Peel: Large-Scale Metallic Watermain Condition Assessment

The Region of Peel assessed over 50 km (31 mi) of metallic watermains using non-invasive vibroacoustic inspection to strengthen its risk-based renewal framework. By integrating Dynamic Response Imaging™ data into its Decision Support System, the Region improved deterioration modeling, prioritized 22 km of high-risk mains for renewal, and optimized long-term capital planning.

The Challenge

The Region of Peel (the Region) operates one of Canada’s largest water distribution and transmission systems, delivering safe drinking water to approximately 1.5 million residents and more than 175,000 businesses across the cities of Mississauga, Brampton, and the Town of Caledon. The network includes more than 4,700 km (2,920 mi) of watermain assets constructed from a variety of pipe materials and sizes.

While much of the distribution system has been modernized with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), approximately 420 km (260 mi) of older metallic iron mains remain in service, primarily constructed of Cast Iron (CI) and Ductile Iron (DI). These pipelines are more susceptible to failure due to their age and exposure to aggressive soil conditions, which contribute to increased watermain breaks. As a result, optimizing capital expenditures by prioritizing iron watermain assets most likely to fail is essential to maintaining a proactive renewal strategy rather than a reactive “fix-it-when-it-breaks” approach.

Traditional approaches to watermain renewal—based on pipe age or break history—are commonly used across the industry to prioritize work at a network level. However, these methods often fail to capture true pipe condition and can lead to premature replacement. To address these limitations, the Region has advanced its renewal strategy by incorporating direct condition assessment and predictive analysis grounded in engineering principles. This approach reduces uncertainty around when and where to invest, while generating a robust dataset that supports future modeling and improves the ability to identify critical mains approaching failure.

Previous replacement programs confirmed the limitations of age-based decision-making, with several iron mains replaced earlier than necessary. In response, the Region developed a proactive, risk-based decision-making framework that integrates deterministic, statistical, and probabilistic methods supported by machine learning and field-collected data. At the core of this framework is the Region’s Decision Support System (DSS), which consolidates asset information and risk modeling to prioritize renewal activities more effectively.

To strengthen and calibrate this system, Peel required actionable condition data that could inform deterioration curves, improve confidence in remaining service life predictions, and guide long-term capital planning.

The Approach

To generate this level of actionable insight, the Region engaged KenWave Solutions (KenWave) to deploy its patented Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) solution. DRI™ is a non-invasive, external vibroacoustic method that estimates pipe wall condition using a moving average over short pipe segments—typically 2 to 3 metres (5 to 10 feet)—providing insights into wall thickness, identifying localized deterioration, and detecting leaks simultaneously. By delivering direct structural data while maintaining operational ease and avoiding service interruption, DRI™ provided the Region with defensible condition insights to support its renewal prioritization process needed to enhance their renewal prioritization process as well as the ability to calibrate and enhance its predictive models within the DSS framework.

Between 2024 and 2025, more than 50 km (31 mi) of metallic iron mains were inspected using this approach. The resulting datasets were integrated into the Region’s risk models in collaboration with GHD, enabling recalibration of initial deterioration curves and improving confidence in remaining service life predictions.

How Did DRI Perform?

The inspection program delivered a comprehensive dataset that directly informed Peel’s renewal strategy. Key findings included:

  • Over 50 km (31 mi) of metallic mains were assessed through two field mobilizations conducted over approximately one to one-and-a-half months, surpassing the Region’s original target.
  • Detailed wall thickness profiles, averaged over approximately two-metre pipe sections, revealed localized areas of pitting and pipe wall loss. These results support the use of complementary indirect assessment methods to evaluate soil conditions along the inspected watermains, further enhancing deterioration curves and improving predictions of remaining service life.
  • Leak detection confirmed active issues on iron mains, including segments in corrosive soils.
  • Optimized high-risk mains identified: Approximately 22 km (14 mi) were prioritized for near-term renewal.
  • Calibration of initial deterioration curve: The initial deterioration curve was developed using available traditional acoustic data with a mean absolute error of approximately 0.05 mm/year. Using DRI inspection data, the deterioration curve was calibrated and enhanced with a mean absolute error of approximately 0.01 mm/year, demonstrating a significant improvement in alignment between predicted and observed condition trends.
  • Moderate-risk mains deferred: lower-risk assets scheduled for continued monitoring, optimizing the timing of future investments.
  • DRI™ results were integrated into a GIS-based platform, supporting enhanced data management, spatial analysis, and trend identification to inform decision-making.
Metallic water main inspection results at Peel Region

The Outcome & Value

By combining advanced inspection data with risk-based analytics, the Region has established a data-driven framework that maximizes the impact of every capital dollar spent. The integration of field results into its DSS enables more accurate prediction of wall-loss progression and service life, reducing uncertainty in long-term planning.

This approach allowed Peel to confidently target high-risk metallic mains for renewal while deferring investment in assets that remain in acceptable condition. The result is an optimized capital plan that reduces the likelihood of premature failures or unnecessary replacements, minimizes service disruptions, and strengthens the long-term resilience of the water system.

Data Representation

KenWave delivered a GIS-based asset condition geodatabase that transforms detailed inspection results and analysis into practical decision support for water infrastructure planning and management. The geodatabase stores pipe wall thickness measurements averaged over approximately 2 metres, pitting rate results, and associated predictive outputs. It also includes asset-level attributes such as probability of failure, remaining service life, and condition grading.

Integrated within the Region’s GIS environment, the geodatabase enables consistent risk assessment across the network, supports trend identification, and helps prioritize rehabilitation and renewal activities through intuitive visualization. This deliverable strengthens the Region’s data management capabilities, reinforces its risk-based decision-making framework, and supports long-term lifecycle management of critical water assets.

Key Takeaway

The Region of Peel’s proactive adoption of vibroacoustic inspection to enhance its existing risk-based modelling represents a new benchmark for data-driven asset management. By leveraging Dynamic Response Imaging™ as a foundation for improving predictive modelling, alongside advanced decision support tools, the Region has demonstrated how:

  • Non-invasive vibroacoustic technology can deliver actionable condition data for iron metallic mains.
  • Watermain inspection and renewal candidates can be prioritized more effectively through a data-driven approach rather than relying solely on their age.
  • Integrating field inspection results into risk models helps refine deterioration curves and predict service life.
  • Data-driven planning optimizes capital allocation, reduces uncertainty, and strengthens long-term system reliability.

The Region’s integrated approach shows how turning vibroacoustic response data into actionable insights can transform renewal priorities—delivering safer, smarter, and more sustainable infrastructure management.

Download the Case Study

Download Now

The post Region of Peel: Large-Scale Metallic Watermain Condition Assessment appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> Case Study: Thames Water https://kenwavesolutions.com/condition-assessment-thames-water/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:46:26 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=350 By integrating DRI™ survey outputs into its asset management framework, Thames Water was able to assess the appropriateness of planned £225M mains renewal investment.

The post Case Study: Thames Water appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

Thames Water: Pipeline Condition Assessment at Scale

Building Evidence for Smarter Investment

Thames Water is the largest water and wastewater services provider in the United Kingdom, delivering clean drinking water to over 15 million people across London and the Thames Valley. Its vast underground network includes thousands of kilometers of aging metallic and non-metallic mains, many of which face increasing risk of deterioration due to age, material type, and operating environment. Maintaining this critical network requires robust condition assessment to prioritize renewal investments effectively.

To meet this need, Thames Water partnered with Binnies, a leading engineering and environmental consultancy, and KenWave’s exclusive delivery partner in the UK. Leveraging Binnies’ deep expertise in asset management and KenWave’s patent-pending Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) solution, Thames Water initiated one of the largest non-invasive pipeline condition assessment programs in the country.

The Challenge

As part of a regulatory requirement, Thames Water was tasked with completing surveys at 1,000 locations across its London distribution system by March 2025. The data gathered would be used to inform a deterioration model designed to guide renewal priorities and justify capital investment. The challenge was not only the scale—covering hundreds of kilometers of buried infrastructure—but also the need for reliable data that could withstand regulatory scrutiny.

The utility needed a solution that could be applied consistently across different pipe diameters, materials, and operating environments without interrupting service to customers. Conventional approaches such as excavations or destructive sampling would have been costly, time-consuming, and disruptive in a dense urban environment. Thames Water required a modern condition assessment approach capable of delivering accurate structural insights quickly, efficiently, and non-invasively.

The Solution

Binnies deployed KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) solution to meet this need. The program began with an initial set of surveys to establish proof of performance, which underwent independent validation. Based on the accuracy and repeatability of the results, Thames Water awarded Binnies the remaining scope of 733 survey locations. The work demonstrated the value of combining strong engineering oversight with cutting-edge technology.

DRI™ introduced controlled vibration signals into the pipeline from existing fittings or small access points. These signals allowed the technology to map pipe wall condition over long distances without excavation or service disruption. Because DRI™ can be applied across all pipe materials and diameters, the entire program was executed using a single survey method. This reduced logistical complexity, avoided enabling works, and provided Thames Water with a consistent dataset across its network.

How Did DRI Perform?

The condition assessment program delivered clear, measurable benefits for Thames Water. Pipe wall thickness was measured with high accuracy and 2-meter resolution along every inspected main, providing the utility with a level of detail previously unattainable through conventional methods. These results gave confidence not only in the data itself but also in the decision-making processes it supported.

By integrating DRI™ survey outputs into its asset management framework, Thames Water was also able to assess the appropriateness of planned £225M mains renewal investment. The insights on asset condition and remaining asset life provided a robust evidence base for future capital planning, that will help the utility direct resources where they are most needed. The program established a foundation for sustainable investment in London’s buried water infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability for millions of customers while maximizing value for every pound spent.

Download the Case Study

Download Now

The post Case Study: Thames Water appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> The Hidden Giant: Why Asbestos Cement Pipe Still Matters in 2025 https://kenwavesolutions.com/asbestos-cement-ac-pipe-still-matters/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:56:39 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=348 For utilities across the U.S. and Canada, the implications are clear. AC pipe is everywhere—2,000 miles in San Diego, 67 percent of Regina’s system, one-third of networks in many BC communities. With break rates rising and budgets stretched thin, doing nothing is no longer an option.

The post The Hidden Giant: Why Asbestos Cement Pipe Still Matters in 2025 appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

The Hidden Giant: Why Asbestos Cement Pipe Still Matters in 2025

The Forgotten Risk in Water Infrastructure

Beneath our cities lies a material many assumed had been phased out decades ago: asbestos cement (AC) pipe. Once marketed as lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, AC mains were installed extensively from the 1930s through the 1970s. They promised to deliver clean water to rapidly growing urban populations at lower cost than traditional materials.

Fast forward to 2025, and AC is still with us—embedded in water networks across North America and around the world. In the United States alone, more than 630,000 miles of AC mains remain active. In Canada, the proportion is similar, with about 18 percent of all drinking water pipes made from AC. Most of this infrastructure is now 40 to 70 years old—well past its intended design life—and utilities face mounting consequences as it begins to fail.

What makes AC a “hidden giant” is not only its sheer scale but the fact that it has been largely overlooked in the broader infrastructure conversation. Roads, bridges, and even lead service lines dominate headlines, while AC quietly carries drinking water to millions. The risks are real: catastrophic breaks, costly emergency repairs, and concerns over asbestos fiber release during uncontrolled failures.

The Scale of the AC Pipe Challenge

The numbers alone are staggering. In the U.S., AC makes up nearly one-fifth of all distribution mains. Many cities rely on it for large portions of their networks. San Diego still operates roughly 2,000 miles of AC mains, which contributed to more than 300 breaks in just a three-year period earlier this decade. East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in Oakland manages about 1,260 miles—30 percent of its total system—and has accelerated its replacement program to 20 miles per year just to keep pace with failures.

In Canada, the challenge is equally severe. Regina’s system is 67 percent AC, translating into nearly 600 kilometers of brittle, failure-prone pipe. Winnipeg has more than 700 kilometers, representing a quarter of its water mains. In British Columbia, communities such as Prince George and Terrace report that one-third to two-thirds of their networks are AC. Breaks in these regions often trigger boil-water advisories, traffic disruptions, and costly emergency responses.

Globally, AC pipe remains entrenched as well. The United Kingdom operates roughly 31,000 miles, most of it more than 50 years old. Australia manages about 40,000 kilometers of AC water and sewer mains, many approaching end-of-life. And in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia, AC was installed even later, meaning large inventories are only now entering their critical aging phase. The message is consistent worldwide: AC is not a relic of history—it is an active, aging risk in modern water systems.

Why AC Pipe Has Been So Difficult to Inspect?

One of the greatest challenges with AC mains is the lack of safe, practical inspection methods. Traditional approaches have relied on coupon sampling—cutting out small sections of pipe wall for laboratory testing. This is invasive, exposes workers to asbestos fibers, and provides information only about the isolated spot where the coupon was taken.

As a result, most utilities have had to rely on indirect indicators such as break history. Yet this is a poor predictor of future performance. AC pipes can deteriorate unevenly; one segment may remain sound while an adjacent section is already compromised. Without direct data, utilities are left to either replace long stretches of pipe unnecessarily or risk failures by doing too little.

This inspection gap has fueled a cycle of guesswork: capital programs that overspend on good pipe, followed by emergency responses when unseen weak spots collapse. Both outcomes drain budgets and erode public trust.

A New Approach: KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging™

KenWave developed Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) to break this cycle. DRI is a non-invasive solution designed specifically to evaluate the condition of buried mains, including asbestos cement.

Instead of cutting into the pipe, DRI uses carefully tuned vibroacoustic signals introduced through existing access points. Sensors capture the resulting vibration patterns, which are analyzed by advanced algorithms to determine wall stiffness and estimate remaining structural capacity. The process is quick, does not interrupt service, and avoids any disturbance of asbestos fibers.

For utilities, the advantages are transformative:

  • Accuracy: Independent trials have confirmed engineering-grade precision, typically within ±6 to ±10 percent of actual wall thickness.
  • Scale: DRI inspects long, continuous pipe runs, not just isolated coupons.
  • Safety: No cutting, no direct handling of asbestos, no shutdown of service.
  • Actionable output: Results are delivered as geospatial condition maps, pinpointing which segments are strong and which are at risk.

In effect, DRI turns AC pipe from an unknowable liability into a manageable asset.

Proof in Practice: Brabant Water Case Study

The breakthrough came in the Netherlands, where Brabant Water faced the same challenges as many North American utilities: thousands of kilometers of aging AC mains with no safe way to evaluate them. Partnering through Isle Utilities’ Trial Reservoir, Brabant tested KenWave’s DRI solution on sections of its network.

The results were compelling. DRI achieved ±6 percent accuracy across 83 percent of the inspected length and ±10 percent across 98 percent. For the first time, the utility could see a detailed picture of AC pipe condition without destructive testing. That insight allowed Brabant to target replacements, defer renewals where the pipe was still sound, and avoid unnecessary asbestos exposure.

This validation project demonstrated that AC pipe can be inspected at scale, safely and reliably. It also proved that DRI integrates seamlessly with existing asset management frameworks, giving utilities data they can immediately use to prioritize capital spending.

Read The Full Case Study

What This Means for North American Utilities

For utilities across the U.S. and Canada, the implications are clear. AC pipe is everywhere—2,000 miles in San Diego, 67 percent of Regina’s system, one-third of networks in many BC communities. With break rates rising and budgets stretched thin, doing nothing is no longer an option.

KenWave’s DRI offers a third path between wholesale replacement and blind risk: inspection-first planning. By mapping actual condition, utilities can focus renewal dollars where they matter most, avoid asbestos disturbance, and extend the service life of good pipe.

As regulatory pressures mount and climate events strain systems, inspection-first approaches will be critical to sustaining reliable water service. Utilities that act now will be better positioned to manage risk, secure funding, and deliver long-term resilience.

From Hidden Giant to Managed Asset

Asbestos cement pipes remain one of the most widespread and underestimated risks in modern water infrastructure. With more than 630,000 miles still active in the U.S. and nearly one-fifth of Canadian networks, the scale alone demands urgent attention. The financial and public health risks of ignoring AC pipe are too high.

KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging™ provides a proven, non-invasive solution that transforms uncertainty into clarity. By turning data into action, utilities can replace only what needs replacing, safeguard workers and communities, and ensure their networks are ready for the future.

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external platform

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post The Hidden Giant: Why Asbestos Cement Pipe Still Matters in 2025 appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> Case Study: Brabant Water https://kenwavesolutions.com/brabant-water-condition-ac-mains/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:47:20 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=317 When Brabant Water needed a reliable way to assess aging asbestos cement mains, they turned to KenWave’s non-invasive DRI™ technology. The result? A successful trial that met every performance benchmark—and set the stage for scalable deployment across their network.

The post Case Study: Brabant Water appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

How Brabant Water Used Non-Invasive Tech to Tackle Aging Asbestos Cement Mains

A new trial in the Netherlands shows how utilities can take control of aging AC pipe infrastructure—without ever shutting down service.

Asbestos Cement (AC) water mains present a unique challenge for utilities. Unlike metallic pipes, AC pipes don’t corrode in a predictable pattern. Instead, they degrade from within as cement leaches out over time—making structural integrity harder to detect and even harder to manage.

That’s exactly the challenge Brabant Water, a major drinking water utility in the Netherlands, set out to solve. The utility needed a scalable, non-invasive way to assess the condition of its aging AC transmission mains—starting with a key 700-meter section of 300mm pipe. And they found their answer in Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) from KenWave Solutions.

Supported by Innovation: Isle Utilities’ Trial Reservoir Program

To de-risk the pilot, Brabant Water teamed up with Isle Utilities through the Trial Reservoir, a funding program that connects promising technology providers with utilities in need. The program front-loads the cost of trials through a repayable loan—one that’s only repaid if the technology meets agreed performance targets.

That structure made it easier for Brabant Water to trial DRI alongside their existing ultrasonic testing (UT) data. It also ensured both parties were aligned on success from the start.

Fast, Reliable, and Still Online

One of the biggest advantages of DRI is that it works without taking pipelines out of service. The system analyzes dynamic vibrational responses to infer wall stiffness and identify areas of structural concern—making it especially useful for brittle materials like asbestos cement.

In this trial, KenWave inspected the pipeline using two access point configurations:

  • 100-meter spacing for high-resolution insight (2–3m)

  • 300-meter spacing to test scalability (20m)

Fieldwork lasted just four days. Despite high groundwater conditions, Brabant Water teams used innovative potholing methods to limit disruption to nearby farmland.

How Did DRI Perform?

Data quality was closely monitored during the inspection, and results were benchmarked against the utility’s UT dataset, adjusted for asbestos cement properties.

In the 100-meter spacing scenario, DRI delivered:

  • ±6% accuracy across 83% of the pipe length (target: 80%)
  • ±10% accuracy across 98% (target: 90%)
  • 100% compliance at ±15% and ±20% thresholds

Put simply: DRI exceeded all KPI targets—and proved it could match high-resolution inline data using a much less invasive setup.

What’s Next?

With the initial trial complete, Brabant Water is moving into Phase 2: training its own staff to use DRI across more pipeline segments. Additional fieldwork is already scheduled for Fall 2025.

More than just a successful pilot, this project shows what’s possible when utilities, innovators, and funding programs work together. Thanks to Isle Utilities’ Trial Reservoir, a proven technology found its way to the field—and a major utility gained a new tool to help manage aging infrastructure.

Dynamic Response Imaging™ isn’t just a trial success. It’s a scalable strategy for extending the life of AC water mains—accurately, affordably, and without digging.

Download the Case Study

Download Now

Condition Assessment of Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipe

KenWave helps utilities transform AC pipe from a hidden liability into a data-driven asset management strategy. Whether you’re planning renewal, budgeting capital, or addressing reliability risks, DRI™ provides the clarity you need.

Learn More

The post Case Study: Brabant Water appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference https://kenwavesolutions.com/uesi-pipelines-2025/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:07:49 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=314 KenWave Solutions was proud to exhibit at the UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference, held August 9th – 13th, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Pipelines 2025 brought together pipeline engineers, contractors, manufacturers, researchers, utilities, and more from around the world to share their experiences in meeting the challenges of modern pipeline infrastructure.

The post UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference

KenWave Solutions was proud to exhibit at the UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference, held August 9th – 13th, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Pipelines 2025 brought together pipeline engineers, contractors, manufacturers, researchers, utilities, and more from around the world to share their experiences in meeting the challenges of modern pipeline infrastructure.

At Booth 228, the KenWave team connected with municipal utilities, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase how Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) enables confident, data-driven decisions for buried pipeline infrastructure.

Why Utilities Came to See Us

KenWave shared how DRI™ helps water utilities:

  • Move from reactive replacement to condition-based planning
  • Quantify remaining service life using real, non-invasive measurements
  • Prioritize projects based on actual pipe condition—not assumptions
  • Access rapid, cost-effective insights with no excavation required

The team also discussed KenWave’s growing international work and how utilities around the world were using DRI™ to support asset management strategies for aging metallic water mains.

Kenwave staff at AWWA ACE25
pipeline condition assessment and rehab workshop

Workshops & Sessions

Workshop 224 – Large Diameter Pipeline Forum: Service Providers Perspective

Sunday, August 10th | 8am to 12pm

Representing KenWave Solutions, Cameron White, Director of Growth, will be joining a panel of industry leaders to share insights on innovative approaches to watermain condition assessment, specifically highlighting how KenWave’s Dynamic Response Imaging (DRI) technology supports utilities in making smarter, data-driven decisions.

Session 300 – Pilot Project and Validation of Non-Invasive Pipeline Assessment for
Localized Wall Loss Detection

Tuesday, August 12th | 3:00pm to 3:30pm

Our Director of Growth, Cameron White, will share insights from our City of Gresham Pilot Project and spotlight how our DRI technology was used to assess the city’s pipeline conditions in a non-destructive and non-invasive manner, allowing for accurate evaluation with minimal physical intervention.

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external technology

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Weren't Able to Meet at the Show?

Connect with us by sending a message and we will schedule a call.

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post UESI Pipelines 2025 Conference appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> AWWA ACE25 https://kenwavesolutions.com/awwa-ace25/ Fri, 23 May 2025 15:27:10 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=299 Visit KenWave at Booth #1228 during the AWWA ACE25 Conference & Expo and learn how external, non-invasive condition assessments are helping utilities assess aging pipelines with confidence—while keeping service uninterrupted.

The post AWWA ACE25 appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

AWWA Annual Conference & Expo

KenWave Solutions was proud to exhibit at the 2025 AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE25), held June 8–11 in Denver, Colorado. ACE25 brought together thousands of water professionals to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of water—and we were honored to be part of it.

At Booth #1228, we connected with municipal utilities, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase how Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) enables confident, data-driven decisions for buried pipeline infrastructure.

AWWA ACE25

Why Utilities Came to See Us

We shared how DRI™ helps water utilities:

  • Move from reactive replacement to condition-based planning
  • Quantify remaining service life using real, non-invasive measurements
  • Prioritize projects based on actual pipe condition—not assumptions
  • Access rapid, cost-effective insights with no excavation required

Our team also discussed our growing international work and how utilities around the world are using DRI™ to support asset management strategies for aging metallic water mains.

Kenwave staff at AWWA ACE25
pipeline condition assessment and rehab workshop

Water Main Condition Assessment Committee Workshop

PCW02: Connecting the Dots: Extending the Useful Life of Large Diameter Water Mains Through Innovative Condition Assessment & Rehabilitation

Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Thanks to Scott Jauch and Murat Engindeniz, Ph.D. for organizing and running a great morning session of the pipeline condition assessment and rehab workshop. Really appreciated the chance for KenWave Solutions Inc. to give a quick update on DRI and to hear directly from utilities about the challenges they’re facing with pressure pipe.

The session covered a lot — from failure modes of different pipe materials, to tools for collecting condition data, to real rehab examples from utilities across North America.

On to the afternoon session to hear more stories of assessment and rehab projects direct from utilities.

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external technology

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Couldn’t Make It to Denver?

If you missed us at ACE25 or want to continue the conversation, we’d love to connect

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post AWWA ACE25 appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> KenWave and RJN Group Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Pipeline Condition Assessment Across the U.S.​ https://kenwavesolutions.com/kenwave-and-rjn-join-forces/ Fri, 02 May 2025 13:18:14 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=295 KenWave Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with RJN Group, Inc., aimed at bringing our Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) technology to water utilities across the United States under RJN’s branded offering: AVA (Advanced Vibroacoustic Analysis).

The post KenWave and RJN Group Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Pipeline Condition Assessment Across the U.S.​ appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

KenWave and RJN Group Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Pipeline Condition Assessment Across the U.S.

TORONTO, ONTARIO—May 2, 2025 — KenWave Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with RJN Group, Inc., aimed at bringing our Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) solution to water utilities across the United States under RJN’s branded offering: AVA (Advanced Vibroacoustic Analysis).

This partnership combines KenWave’s patent-pending non-invasive, external pipeline assessment solution with RJN’s trusted presence and engineering expertise in water infrastructure, offering utilities a smarter, safer, and more accessible way to understand the condition of critical pipeline assets—without taking them out of service.

DRI™ works from the outside in—applying vibroacoustic signals through existing access points like valves and hydrants to make pipelines “sing.” The resulting vibration data is analyzed to identify wall thinning, pipe class changes, and potential failure risks with 5–20 foot resolution, making it ideal for sub-transmission and distribution mains.

“RJN is an experienced and respected partner, and we’re thrilled to work together to help utilities move from assumptions to actionable insights,” said Elia Rizkalla, President of KenWave Solutions. “This partnership will enable more communities to proactively manage aging infrastructure with clarity, while reducing cost, complexity, and risk.”

RJN will lead the field deployment of the technology to municipal and industrial clients across the U.S., while KenWave will continue to provide the technical leadership, analysis, and engineering support that defines the DRI™ experience.

“KenWave’s mission has always been to simplify condition assessment without compromising on data quality,” Rizkalla added. “Working with RJN allows us to accelerate that mission and reach more utilities looking for non-invasive, high-resolution tools to support their capital planning and asset management efforts.”

Together, KenWave and RJN are well-positioned to serve a growing need for cost-effective, accurate, and low-risk approaches to pipeline inspection—especially in aging water systems where shutdowns are not an option.

To learn more about AVA powered by DRI™, visit: AVA Brochure

About KenWave Solutions, Inc.

Established in 2020, KenWave Solutions Inc. simplifies pipeline condition assessment for municipal and utility partners worldwide. Our patent-pending Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI™) solution uses nonlinear vibroacoustics and acoustics to deliver high-resolution, actionable data—all from outside the pipe, with no need to interrupt service. DRI makes it easy to assess aging water infrastructure—especially sub-transmission and distribution mains—with the clarity needed to support capital planning and condition-based renewal strategies. As a subsidiary of the Kenaidan Group and Obayashi Corporation, KenWave brings together deep construction experience and innovative technology to offer practical, scalable solutions for the water industry.  Learn more at KenWaveSolutions.com.

About RJN Group, Inc.

Established in 1975, RJN Group is an employee-owned engineering firm dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for water infrastructure challenges. With 50 years of experience, RJN has established itself as a leader in wastewater, water, and stormwater assessment and improvement, serving communities across the United States. Learn more at www.rjn.com.

The post KenWave and RJN Group Partner to Expand Access to Advanced Pipeline Condition Assessment Across the U.S.​ appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]> 2025 AWWA-PNWS https://kenwavesolutions.com/awwa-pnws-2025/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:15:48 +0000 https://kenwavesolutions.com/?p=291 Thank you to everyone who connected with us at the AWWA Pacific Northwest Section Conference in Boise, Idaho, from May 7–9, 2025. We appreciated the opportunity to share how our Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI) technology is transforming pipeline condition assessments.

The post 2025 AWWA-PNWS appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>

AWWA-PNWS 2025 Section Conference

Thank you to everyone who connected with us at the AWWA Pacific Northwest Section Conference in Boise, Idaho, from May 7–9, 2025. We appreciated the opportunity to share how our Dynamic Response Imaging™ (DRI) technology is transforming pipeline condition assessments.

Booth #733

Attendees engaged with our team to explore how DRI provides high-resolution, external, non-invasive assessments of aging pipelines, aiding in proactive infrastructure management.

Real Results from the City of Gresham

Cameron Lee presented “Proactive Pipeline Management: Gresham’s Innovative Approach to Watermain Assessment Using Nonlinear Vibroacoustics” on Thursday, May 8, at 9:45 AM in Room 120A. The session detailed how Gresham utilized DRI to evaluate aging cast and ductile iron water mains during a significant roadworks project, enabling data-driven capital planning decisions.

Read the Case Study

Why Utilities Are Turning to Dynamic Response Imaging™?

  • ✅ Non-invasive, external technology

  • 🔧 Works through valves, hydrants, and access points

  • 🛰 Detects wall thinning, pipe class changes, leaks
  • 📏 5–20 ft sub-pipe stick resolution

  • 🧠 Ideal for sub-transmission and hard-to-inspect pipes

  • 📊 Supports capital planning with real-world data

Want to learn how DRI™ could support your system assessment or capital planning strategy? Book a one-on-one meeting with our team.

Partnered with Leading Utilities & Consultants Globally

The post 2025 AWWA-PNWS appeared first on KenWave Solutions.

]]>