For years now pipelines replacement and construction have been an expensive and strenuous task. The conventional methods require digging of trench throughout the pipeline, increasing the overall human resources. In addition to this, it adds significant cost, which would be used to fix the landscaping. This method reduces the procedure to minimal excavation, which has numerous advantages.
Trenchless or any other subsurface method of construction requires proper analysis of the surface, which is highly influenced by the location of the surface. The size of the passage under observation differentiates between trenchless and any other method of construction. At places where the surface is usually burdened with much heavier weights, there are chances of surface caving which have proved to be dreadful in the past. Therefore soil, moisture in the ground and proper depth are to be taken care of.
THE TECHNIQUE:
The very first advantage of trenchless pipelining is that the entire digging is eliminated. It only requires two digs at the ends of the pipe which are known as access pits. The affected parts are located with the help of cameras and the construction proceeds. The entire pipeline is cleaned thoroughly, and all the disruptions are removed. After taking measurements, a flexible pipe which has proper propositions of resin is pushed into the pipeline and settled on the inside walls with the help of compressed air. This is carried out with an inverter and takes more than one round to ensure proper impregnation. After several hours the inserted material is hardened and completely bond to the existing pipe.
Eventually, a new solid pipe is constructed inside the host pipe and resembles any heavy duty pipe in terms of working. One thing to take of is that trenchless methods are not compatible with pipelines that are damaged deeply at multiple parts or in case the sections are offset from each other.
HOW ECONOMIC IS TRENCHLESS PIPE LINING?
As discussed earlier, the trenchless method eliminates the need for digging and remedial landscape, which reduces cuts down on the costs of fixing. In the traditional way of repairing the material and tools required aren’t the only expenses.
The human resources included and time consumed comprise 25-30% of the expenditure. In normal conditions this traditional construction costs similar to trenchless repairing. But when the area above the pipeline is a road, sidewalk or street, the price is doubled. The uprooting of trees and fixed objects is avoided, hence the cost of landscaping is eliminated, which make trenchless repair advantageous. As heavy machinery and digging tools are not required, the overall process becomes energy efficient and prices cheaper.
ADVANTAGES OF TRENCHLESS PIPELINING:
Trenchless pipe lining emerged as the preferred option for repairing underground piping systems at domestic and broader scales alike. Digging land for longer lengths just for the sake of rehabilitation and sewage inspections was a waste of power, money and time. The modern methodology has made the process much efficient in all three aspects.
It has helped in preventing unnecessary harm to the environment. If the pipeline lies underneath the landscape bearing trees and plants, they have to be uprooted, and the ground dug costs in loss of vegetation at that particular site. In unfamiliar conditions where moisture content is more, inspection suggests levels be uncovered and prevents any disaster.
In 2018 alone, more than 80 cases of surface caving were reported. Out of these, 8 included severe human injuries. Due to several reasons like weather or heavy-duty pipelines need to be inspected periodically. With trenchless methods, these disasters can be prevented, which would otherwise result in expensive affairs. The modern construction technology and methods have experienced advancements rapidly. Over the last decade, there has been a need to quickly repair underground pipelines or any other error that could take place in public places for uninterrupted facilities. The less invasive method of repairing is both cost-effective and efficient by all means.