Thompson Pipe Group Wins NASTT Innovation Award
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 WCJ unlocks entirely new trenchless applications for an established one and reshaping how engineers and owners approach pressure pipeline design in trenchless environments. The WCJ system offers a unique combination of joint‑level restraint, weldability, curvature capability, and 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, proven innovations that advance trenchless industry by pushing design boundaries and solving challenging infrastructure conditions. Tags: Thompson Pipe
