Northwest Pipe Company introduces the InfraShield® seismic-resistant connection system

VANCOUVER, Washington., January 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Northwest Pipe Company (Nasdaq: NWPX), a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure, including engineered piping systems and prefabricated components, is now manufacturing a seismic-resistant steel water transmission pipeline connection system that can be used in conjunction with other piping systems.

The InfraShield® seismic elastic connection system builds on the proven performance of C200 steel pipe and adds a small protrusion in the pipe wall that effectively transfers tension and compression forces associated with seismic events. The patent-pending technology has undergone rigorous testing to simulate performance in seismic events, differential settlement and landslide events, and in areas with liquefaction hazards.

Made in United States of America Using sustainable AWWA certified steel, InfraShield® offers several advantages over competing seismic connection systems. Its resilient construction maintains watertight integrity and, unlike PVC or HPDE pipes, can withstand multiple impacts during and after events. The InfraShield® system can be used with other connection systems and can provide excellent post-event performance when installed in geohazardous or seismic zones of a pipeline.

InfraShield® is designed to offer a significantly lower lifetime cost of ownership compared to other seismic-resistant systems, which may require specialized field service training, installation supervision by the manufacturer, or even overseas shipping. In addition to ease of installation and reliability, InfraShield® offers a solid connection without perfect trenching or ground stability.

“From a contractor’s perspective, InfraShield® installs no differently than other C200 lap welded pipes. Our earthquake-proof solution requires no additional training, supervision or special tools. This means quick installation with no additional installation costs or risks,” he explains Scott Montross, President and CEO of Northwest Pipe Company. “Over the past several years, our company has invested capital in research and development of water infrastructure. This is a case where our team has found a solution that can truly improve the quality of life for communities in active seismic zones.”

The Northwest Pipe team will be demonstrating the innovative connection system at the American Society of Civil Engineering’s upcoming Lifelines conference, which will be held virtually in February. For more information on paper presentations, visit the event’s website (https://samueli.ucla.edu/lifelines2021-22/).

About Northwest Pipe Company – Founded in 1966, Northwest Pipe Company is a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products. Not only is it the largest manufacturer of engineered steel water pipe systems in North America, the company produces high-quality precast and reinforced concrete products; water, sewage and rainwater equipment; jacket tube made of steel; concrete cylinder pipe wrapped with rods; and one of the largest offerings of connectors, fittings and specialty components for piping systems. Strategically positioned to meet growing water and wastewater infrastructure needs, Northwest Pipe Company provides solution-based products for a variety of markets under the ParkUSA brand, Geneva pipe and finished parts as well as Permalok® lines. The company’s diverse team is committed to quality and innovation while demonstrating the company’s core values: accountability, dedication and teamwork. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, and has 13 manufacturing plants North America. Please visit www.nwpipe.com for more information.

Contact:
Aaron Wilkins
CFO
Northwest Pipe Company
360-397-6294 • [email protected]

SOURCE Northwest Pipe Company