Sustainable rehabilitation of urban sewers using in-situ lining techniques

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of service-induced imperfections in underground pipelines on the structural performance of pipelines rehabilitated using Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology. The novelty of the implemented research program is the expansion of knowledge regarding the safe use of pipelines, which in turn has a direct impact on the reduction of the number of failures of transport infrastructure. These irregularities in pipelines directly contribute to increased energy consumption in sewage treatment operations, higher exhaust emissions due to reduced vehicle speeds that are caused by infrastructure failures, and the elevated operational costs associated with road traffic disruptions. Therefore, maintaining underground pipelines in a proper technical condition is an extremely important issue that directly affects energy consumption. CIPP technology, which is the subject of this paper, can be classified as an eco-friendly urban solution that can reduce this consumption. Thanks to the data collected during the implementation of the laboratory tests described in this paper, it will be possible to precisely determine the effect of the geometric changes in the cross-section and the linear damage of the conduit undergoing renovation on the strength parameters of the combined “pipeline – CIPP lining” structure. The author’s previous observations and experience gained during the design and implementation of repairs using sleeve technologies confirm the need for a thorough individual analysis of damage and changes in a pipeline’s geometry before it undergoes renovation. The results of the conducted original research contribute to the current understanding of the load-bearing capacity of pipes with deformed cross-sections that have been reconstructed using CIPP technology, which in turn has a fundamental impact on the safety of the operation of sewers.