Method for fabricating pipeline coating samples containing synthetic disbonds for estimating a condition of a coating of an underground pipeline

A method for fabricating a coated pipeline sample containing synthetic disbonds to be used as a buried test sample for estimating a condition of a coating of an underground pipeline, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a section of a pipe having a predetermined diameter and length;
• installing end caps on opposing ends of the pipe section, each end cap having an electrical connection extending therefrom;
• applying a material having a low dielectric coefficient around said pipe segment between the end caps, the low dielectric material having characteristics that simulate an air-filled disbond;
• varying the coverage area of material to simulate various disbond sizes;
• and
• wrapping the pipe segment and end caps with tape to cover the material having a low dielectric coefficient.