Rehabilitation of pipelines, an evaluation method with application to 3 trenchless technologies

“In the Netherlands the drinking water distribution network contributes to about 120.000 km underground pipelines. In the 1950’s to the 1970’s the network expanded rapidly due to the expansion of urbanized areas and connecting the rural areas. Many of these pipes are expected to be in need of replacement in the next decades.
Traditionally pipes are replaced by using open trenches. However, in the light of the increase in replacements this may change. To ensure current service levels, replacement techniques will have to be balanced for relevant elements such as effectiveness, nuisance to the environment and costs. Dutch drinking water companies want to know when to use which technique, but currently have too few experiences with trenchless techniques to allow for a detailed analysis. Experiences are usually limited to a few kilometers or locations that are not representative for larger parts of the network. In addition, each company evaluates projects differently and relevant aspects such as environmental impact or nuisance were difficult to quantify, making it difficult to compare experiences.
We developed an evaluation method for rehabilitation techniques for all relevant aspects in an asset management decision. This evaluation method quantifies these aspects as much as possible and allows for comparison between different techniques. The evaluation method was tried and tested on several pilot projects each with a different trenchless rehabilitation technique. Results from the pilots were used to improve the evaluation method.
This paper describes the evaluation method and the results of the pilot projects with the different techniques. In addition, we discuss current developments towards a knowledge base for comparing techniques for pipeline renovation or renewal.”

(Citation: van Vossen, J., Mesman, G.A.M., van den Brand, T.P.H., et. al. – Rehabilitation of pipelines, an evaluation method with application to 3 trenchless technologies – Pipeline Technology Conference, Berlin, Germany (2017))