WATER REHAB: Water Main Relining Project Completed in Charleston
— Dec 01, 2009
The Charleston (S.C.) Water System recently completed a pilot project in the Charleston Naval using a new lining product called Aqua-Pipe. The project involved relining 1,907 ft of 8-in. ductile iron pipe with Aqua-Pipe, a structural liner for water mains.
More than 800,000 ft of Aqua-Pipe has been installed throughout North American, but the Charleston project was one of the first large projects in the United States.
In Charleston, WASIR Inc. performed pipe cleaning services and CCTV prior to the installation of the liner. Crews from Charleston Water Service dug the excavation pits, disconnected services and removed valves and fittings in advance of the lining.
Beginning in late October, Sanexen crews installed Aqua-Pipe in eight different sections along Avenue D South. CIPP runs ranged from 185 to 285 ft in length. Aqua-Pipe is impregnated on-site with specific epoxy resin and is then pulled in place through the host pipe. The shaping of Aqua-Pipe is achieved by pushing a pig through the liner using water pressure. Circulating hot water ensures the curing process.
Aqua-Pipe is designed and installed according to ASTM F 1216 and ASTM F 1743 standards, respectively. It is designated as a Class IV fully structural lining when compared to the AWWA M28 structural classification. This means that Aqua-Pipe is a stand-alone structural liner that can withstand all dead and live loads and internal pressures including vacuum without the help of the residual strength of the existing pipe. If the host pipe is depressurized, Aqua-Pipe will resist the external dead and live loads. Aqua-Pipe can withstand operating pressures up to 150 psi.
To view video interviews with project participants, visit www.uimonline.com.
