Trenchless cured-in-place pipe preparation for lateral pipe renewal.

Trenchless pipe fix keeps Gizzy flowing

Council is using trenchless pipe renewal technology to service our wastewater pipes.

This system can save time and money as it causes much less traffic disruption because there is no need to dig up entire sections of road.

We have used two separate trenchless methods to renew the main pipes on Childers Rd between Lowe St and Bright St, and the lateral pipes along Childers Rd.

Water utilities manager Neville West says “Rather than having to dig up roads, these methods use the shape of the existing pipe and mould themselves to it

“As long as the pipe isn’t collapsed or doesn’t have roots growing through it and has sufficient fall, trenchless is a suitable option”

The dig and replace method of renewal can take up to three to five times longer than trenchless methods. It also causes major traffic disruptions, and the additional cost of repairing the road and the pipe.

Trenchless renewal only needs manhole access for main pipes, or a small footpath hole for lateral pipe access.

“Wherever possible we will be using trenchless renewal, it allows us to complete more work with the budget we have.” Says Mr West

The trenchless methods used are a cure-in-place pipe (CIPP) system, which uses a resin based compound in a bag that is pushed into place in the damaged pipe, then inflated. Once inflated, the bag is removed and steam or hot water can be used to cure the resin until it’s fully sealed.

The other method is spiral wound, which uses interlocking PVC strips fed into the pipe by crew members from a spool above ground. These strips wind-up against each other and lock into place forming the shape of the pipe.

Trenchless options can be over 30% cheaper when it’s viable to use them.

The repairs to Council’s wastewater pipes are part of a programme to reduce stormwater from infiltrating the network and causing overflows.

ENDS

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