Kiran Kothari

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Kiran Kothari is a leading expert in the rehabilitation of aging urban utility infrastructure, with a primary focus on gas distribution systems. His most cited work tackles the critical challenge of sealing large-diameter cast-iron pipe joints under live, in-service conditions. Recognizing that U.S. utilities operate over 75,000 km of old cast-iron pipes—where bell-and-spigot joints are prone to leakage—Kothari’s research addresses the high cost and disruption of conventional repair methods. His major contribution lies in developing and validating novel sealing technologies that allow for repairs without shutting down gas service, thereby minimizing community disruption and operational downtime. While his most cited paper has garnered 4 citations, its practical impact is significant, directly informing industry practices for maintaining aging infrastructure. Kothari’s work is notable for bridging engineering design with real-world utility constraints, offering scalable solutions for a pervasive problem. His research continues to influence how municipalities and gas companies approach pipeline integrity, making him a key figure in sustainable infrastructure management.