Pipe systems are one of the most reliable and safest means of transfer of mater and
energy. They are, in fact, the lifelines of communities. New materials such as plastic
products and composites have enhanced the domain of application of material systems
in pipelines. Plastic pipes have salient features such as low weight, ease of connection,
and corrosion resistance. Like any other installations, however, statistical cases of malfunction
and failure may occasionally occur in piping systems. An objective failure investigation
of such incidents can prove to be very instructive for health monitoring, safety,
maintenance, retrofitting, and life cycle management of pipelines. Hence, the knowledge
gained from numerous failure investigations together with a sound scientific and engineering
basis should become available to manufacturers, planers, users, and engineers
dealing with piping systems. Due to ageing of the existing pipelines, this topic may
gain more importance in the coming years. Therefore, the need for systematic investigation
procedure, proper diagnosis, health monitoring, and decisions as well as the
rehabilitation methods is expected to increase in the future.