Pipe Bursting Proof of Use for Water Main Replacement: Insights from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Water Pilot Project

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) selected the Lanham Station Road Water Main Replacement Project (Lanham Station or project), an approximately 3-mi upgrade, as a pioneering testbed for pipe bursting technology. Three construction techniques, such as pipe bursting, relocation, and re-lay (same trench replacement), were meticulously implemented for comparison. Different types [restrained joint and fusible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] and sizes (6–12 in.) of C-900 PVC pipe were installed and evaluated during the pipe bursting process. With construction completed in 2020, the pilot project identified the pros and cons of pipe bursting compared to conventional open cut methods, evaluated the performance of select PVC products, and assessed the applicability of pipe bursting under differing site conditions. The project demonstrated the advantages of water main replacement using pipe bursting and highlighted challenges that require further examination. Ultimately, the pilot project confirmed pipe bursting as a viable alternative for water main replacement projects and provided practical recommendations for standard specifications, construction methodologies, material selection guidelines, and engineering/designer checklists.