Beneath the streets of Athlone, Ireland, a transformative infrastructure project has quietly revolutionized how we approach sewer rehabilitation. The Athlone Sewer Rehab Project, a collaboration between McAllister Group, Impreg, Irish Water, and local authorities, tackled a significant engineering challenge: the rehabilitation of a non-circular pipe measuring 1085mm in diameter, buried five meters deep, without resorting to disruptive open trench methods.
A game-changing approach to pipeline rehabilitation
At the heart of this project was a mission to extend the operational life of a stormwater culvert running beneath a railway track. Open trench repairs were not viable due to logistical constraints and the risk of disruption. Instead, a trenchless solution was implemented, beginning with an extensive cleaning and inspection process. McAllister Group employed over-pumping systems to maintain flow during repairs, ensuring minimal environmental and community disruption.
The solution for this project was the installation of a custom-made Impreg GL16 liner. This liner, boasting a lifespan of 100 years, was carefully designed to adapt to the irregular dimensions of the pipe, ensuring a snug and durable fit. With a wall thickness of 9.2mm, a length of 57m, and a weight of 4000kg. The manufacturing team at Impreg worked closely with McAllister’s site team, using precise circumference measurements to tailor the liner for optimal performance and fit.
Innovations and Challenges
The Athlone project stands out for its innovation. The irregular shape of the pipe necessitated a custom-designed liner capable of accommodating the structural strength requirements… peroxide resin mix allowed effective curing using both heat and UV light, addressing challenges posed by hard-to-reach areas and shadows on the liner surface. Transporting the liner from Germany to Ireland in a temperature-controlled vehicle showed meticulous planning and coordination.
The pipe was embedded within a concrete structure that also housed a 4m x 2.5m rainwater culvert, adding another layer of complexity to the project. Situated beneath critical infrastructure, including a railway track, its location posed significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, the McAllister team successfully executed the rehabilitation without delays, showcasing the remarkable capability of trenchless methods to handle even the most intricate and demanding scenarios.
Broader impact and future potential
The success of this project extends beyond technical achievement. For Irish Water, it underscores the reliability of CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) UV systems as a cost-effective, efficient solution for sewer rehabilitation. By avoiding open trench repairs, the project minimized environmental disturbance and upheld the integrity of critical transport infrastructure.
The economic advantages are equally significant. This method offers long-term cost savings for asset management, reducing future maintenance needs and ensuring sustainable operation. Its success inspires confidence among stakeholders and showcases the potential for expanding this approach across Ireland and the UK.
Collaborative triumph and community impact
This achievement was made possible through the concerted efforts of Irish Water, Westmeath County Council, McAllister Group, and Impreg. Their partnership reflects a commitment to innovative problem-solving and the development of infrastructure that meets modern demands while protecting the environment and community interests.
Conclusion: A blueprint for modern engineering
The Athlone Sewer Rehab Project sets a benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. As Irish Water looks to adopt this system for future projects, this initiative not only secures Athlone’s infrastructure but also paves the way for more ambitious applications.
This is engineering for the future, minimizing disruption, maximizing efficiency, and delivering lasting benefits to communities. Let the success in Athlone serve as a call to embrace advanced, sustainable methods in infrastructure development worldwide.
