The S1 Main Sewer is more than 100 years old, spans 1.5 m in diameter and lies up to 20 m below Kingsford Smith Drive, one of the busiest roads in Brisbane. The S1 Sewer Main project sought to rehabilitate a critical section of the sewer that was facing structural deterioration and heavy infiltration.
The size, depth and location of the pipe posed unique difficulties and challenges to the multi-million dollar rehabilitation.
The first phase of the project involved relining a 1.3 km length of sewer with a nominal diameter of 1,350 mm. During the works, both the sewer and road needed to remain operational as flow bypass and traffic detours were not possible. A robust community engagement strategy, which included cooperation from both contractor and utility, resulted in minimal complaints from residents.
Selecting the best technique
Two sewer lining technologies were trialled, resulting in Queensland Urban Utilities awarding the contract for the first phase of the S1 Main Sewer Upgrade to Interflow, who used steel reinforced polyethylene spiral wound Ribline to renew the sewer.
The successful completion of the project demonstrated the suitability of the design, products and work methodologies on such a complicated reline. The S1 Main Sewer rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in stages, finishing in 2019.
Taking home the top award
Queensland Urban Utilities Program Director, Adrian Vosloo, said the accolade is a huge credit to everyone involved in the S1 Main Sewer Rehabilitation, including the utility’s contractor Interflow.
“We attribute our success to attention to detail at every stage of the project – from feasibility studies and site preparation to identifying and mitigating the risks early in the process. We also worked innovatively to execute all the design requirements in a practical way,” he said.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have been recognised as leaders in using Trenchless Technology, and we hope to apply similar techniques to future projects.”
Speaking on taking home the ASTT’s prestigious award, Interflow Technical Support Manager John Monro said “Winning the ASTT Rehab Project of the Year Award was a fantastic result for our company.
“Working with Queensland Urban Utilities on such a unique project, and one of the most challenging sewer rehabilitation projects completed in Australia, highlights the commitment Interflow shares with water authorities in ensuring Australian technology is at the forefront of trenchless solutions.
“This Award is welcome acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts of all who worked to make this project a success.”