Data acquisition and analysis for water main rehabilitation techniques

Abstract

The ability to regularly deliver safe drinking water is a constant challenge to municipalities worldwide. In Canada, the replacement/rehabilitation cost of water mains is estimated to be $28 billion (1997–2012). Therefore, selecting cost-effective repair and/or rehabilitation scenario(s) is essential to optimise the quality of existing water mains and minimise unnecessary rehabilitation costs. The research presented in this paper identifies several rehabilitation methods for water mains, which are classified into three main categories: (1) repair (i.e. open trench, sleeves); (2) renovation (i.e. slip lining, cement mortar lining, epoxy lining, cured in place pipe (CIPP)); and (3) replacement (i.e. pipe bursting, micro-tunnelling, horizontal directional drilling, auger boring, open cut). Due to complexity, scarcity, and enormity of data required to perform life cycle cost (LCC) and select the cost-effective scenario(s), the research presented focuses on LCC data acquisition and analysis. Data were collected from contractors and municipalities in Canada. Rehabilitation decision trees were developed as a preparation step for future LCC implementation. Breakage rate analysis was successfully developed to predict the intervals of various rehabilitation alternatives. The research presented is relevant to researchers and practitioners (municipal engineers, consultants, and contractors) to prioritise pipe inspection and rehabilitation planning for existing water mains.