News | April 6, 2026

Thompson Pipe Group's Weldable Curve Joint (WCJ) Wins 2026 NASTT Abbott Award For Innovation

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Advancing trenchless pressure pipeline design with a next‑generation joint system for AWWA C300 concrete pressure pipe

Highlights:

  • Re-imagined C300 design: While AWWA C300 pipe has a century-long history, the WCJ uniquely integrates restraint and joint geometry in a single system.
  • True single-pass capability: Moves beyond Type B (Carnegie) joint limitations to enable genuine single-pass microtunneling in complex alignments .
  • Contractor advantages: Eliminates casing pipes and secondary installations, reducing excavation, shaft complexity, and schedule risk.
  • Owner benefits: Drives more competitive bids, shorter schedules, and less surface disruption.
  • Distinct value proposition: The AWWA C300 WCJ delivers fully restrained, multi-curve, single-pass microtunneling pipe —improving constructability, alignment flexibility, and risk profile without sacrificing durability or pressure performance.

Thompson Pipe Group (TPG) has received the 2026 NASTT Abbott Award for Innovation for its WCJ (Weldable Curve Joint), a next‑generation joint system for AWWA C300 concrete pressure pipe.

The WCJ transforms the pressure pipe joint from a sealing interface into a structural, weldable connection capable of supporting higher allowable jacking loads, resisting internal and external pressures, and is compatible for design using curved alignments. Introduced in North America in 2025, the innovation eliminates the need for external casing pipes and two‑pass tunneling methods — reducing cost, construction risk, and surface disruption, particularly in dense urban and environmentally sensitive areas.

Key innovations include increased pipe‑to‑pipe bearing area to support higher jacking loads and an integrated, weldable restrained configuration purpose‑built for single‑pass microtunneling.

Rather than introducing a new material, the one and WCJ unlocks entirely new trenchless applications for an established reshaping how engineers and owners approach pressure pipeline design in trenchless environments. No other pipe joint system offers this combination of joint single pass constructability for pressure applications.

Expanding trenchless applications of concrete pressure pipe while preserving durability and long service life, the WCJ delivers value across design, construction, and operation. The Abbott Award for Innovation honors companies with recently launched, prove n innovations that advance the trenchless industry by pushing design boundaries and solving challenging infrastructure conditions.

 

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About Thompson Pipe Group

Thompson Pipe Group is one of the largest providers of pressure and gravity pipe solutions in North America. 100% American owned and privately held, the company operates an extensive manufacturing and engineering footprint across the continent, offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of trenchless pipe solutions , including products for gravity, force main, and pressure applications.

Thompson Pipe Group’s mission is to deliver proven pipe solutions supported by trusted engineering expertise and on site technical support for water, wastewater, stormwater, drainage, hydroelectric/penstock, and industrial applications. The company’s focus is simple: finding the right solution for every project.

For more information, visit https://thompsonpipegroup.com/

Source: Thompson Pipe Group (TPG)