Northwest Pipe Company is now manufacturing a seismic resilient joint system for steel water transmission pipelines that can be used in conjunction with other pipeline systems. The InfraShield® Seismic Resilient Joint System builds upon the proven performance of C200 steel pipe and adds a small projection in the pipe wall that effectively transfers tensile and compression forces associated with seismic events. The patent-pending technology has undergone rigorous testing to simulate performance during seismic, differential settlement, and landslide events, as well as in areas with liquefaction hazards. Made in the USA with sustainable AWWA-certified steel, InfraShield® offers several advantages over competing seismic joint systems. Its resilient construction maintains watertight integrity and can withstand multiple shocks during and after events, unlike PVC or HPDE pipe.

The InfraShield® system can be used with other joining systems, and can provide superior performance after an event when installed in a pipeline's geohazard or seismic zones. InfraShield® is designed to provide a substantially lower cost of lifetime ownership compared to other seismic resilient systems that may require special field crew training, installation oversight from the manufacturer, or even overseas delivery. In addition to the ease of installation and reliability, InfraShield® delivers joint soundness without perfect trench grading or soil stability.