State of technology for renewal of sewer force mains

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a review of the state of technology for renewal of force mains. Force mains are critical components of many sewer collection systems with significant environmental and cost consequences for failure. The review identified several needs, including the need for rational and common design approaches for rehabilitation systems, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and better practices for operation and maintenance. The difficulty in assessing the condition of sewer force mains, leaving many owners with questions about the integrity of their systems, and the limited amount of technologies available for renewing a deteriorated main, has limited the amount of renewal work in the past. Most of the renewal activity has involved complete replacement of the force main. As the nation's force mains age further, greater emphasis must be placed on finding cost-effective ways to renew these critical assets. Fortunately, new products and technologies are now emerging for condition assessment, as well as rehabilitation. Some newer methods developed for gravity sewers and water distribution systems are being adapted for use in force main rehabilitation but design and performance data gaps remain to be filled.