Large-Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation Using a Fiber-Reinforced Cured-in-Place Pipe

Despite the use of trenchless methods in sewer rehabilitation for over 40 years, a lack of knowledge on the performance of emerging technologies is still a critical need in the sewer infrastructure industry. This has led to aging water infrastructure research organizations to develop rehabilitation technology demonstration programs. The results from these programs are intended to enhance the industry’s awareness of available technologies and their capabilities. One specific scenario of interest is the rehabilitation of large-diameter sewer mains. This paper describes the demonstration of an innovative fiber-reinforced composite cured-in-place pipe technology used to rehabilitate 5,243 m (17,200 ft) of 2,400-mm (96-in.) RC pipe in Irving, Texas. This technology met the utility owner’s requirements and mechanical testing showed that the liner exceeded the minimum design requirements. A key take away from the project was the importance of proper planning. Careful attention is required to ensure proper and timely preparation in advance of the lining equipment setup, especially when a project has multiple installation shots (i.e., 19 total in this case). Another important consideration is the site access and layout. Several large pieces of equipment (e.g., resin tankers, cure control trailer, wetout tent, tractor trailer, etc.) are required and access is needed to move the resin tankers in and out during on-site liner wetout. These findings are valuable for water infrastructure system engineers who need alternate methods from the traditionally disruptive pipeline renewal methods.