Wilmot Pipelining was recently engaged to complete a vital stormwater culvert relining project on the rail network in New South Wales.
Located in the Hunter Valley, Wilmot Pipelining was responsible for relining eight separate sites in difficult to access areas and unreliable terrain.
Wilmot is an industry leader in using no-dig trenchless technology in both house service and network infrastructure pipe relining and pipeline rehabilitation throughout NSW.
From house service sized relining projects to large scale network infrastructure assets, the Wilmot team has a relining solution for all size pipes and drainage systems.
In February 2021, Wilmot’s team was contracted to complete the stormwater culvert relining project.
The culverts were running under the rail corridor and were constructed with heritage brick and mortar.
To ensure another 50 years of service was achievable, the culverts required serious rehabilitation to stabilise and upgrade the assets.
To complete the works, Wilmot used its trenchless technology expertise and installed close fit cured-in-place (CIP) UV liners, which allowed for the network to continue its operations during the entire duration of the project.
Wilmot Managing Director Andrew Wilmot said these liners were chosen due to structural properties of the liner and the suitability of the product for the rail network.
“These liners are completely cured in place which means no excavating or jacking to install,” he said.
“The engineering team at Wilmot designed the CIP liners while working closely with the manufacturer to satisfy the rail networks requirements for structural and dynamic loads.
“The outcome speaks for itself with all eight sites delivered on time with a minimal footprint on site the client was extremely impressed.
“Trenchless technology really is a fantastic alternative to conventional digging.
“There is a growing awareness among councils and developers on the benefits of using such.”
Up for the challenge
On the project, the culverts size ranged from DN900-DN1600 with various shapes. Despite challenges faced during the works, Mr Wilmot says the team successfully completed the vital relining on the eight separate sites on time and within budget – with the five-week program completed in February 2021.
“The crew overcame heavy forecasted rain on numerous occasions alongside high
summer temperatures, as well as steep terrain and difficult site access,” said Mr Wilmot.
“The team displayed initiative and lateral thinking to overcome previous site plans and adapted the installation techniques to suit the difficult terrains and challenging site conditions.”
Upon completion of the eight sites in very tricky terrain, the Wilmot team displayed once again its innovation and endogeneity in finding a solution for the client.
A thorough program
The Wilmot team are no strangers to relining projects, with a tried and tested program developed by the specialist to ensure relining success on every job.
First, Wilmot uses robotic crawler cameras to supply the client with the industry standard Wincan reporting software.
This software allows for general CCTV observations as well as pre- and post-relining reports with CCTV footage supplied to the client at the completion of all inspections and upgrades undertaken by Wilmot.
After initially assessing the asset with robotic camera, the most common method used by Wilmot for pipeline rehabilitation and relining projects is CIP; however, the Wilmot team also has capabilities in pipe bursting and localised structural repairs performed using confined space line entry.
Mr Wilmot said the installation of CIP liners by the company allow the municipal asset owner a chance to work with the team at Wilmot throughout the design and implementation stages of all pipe relining project to ensure both structural integrity is delivered while installing liners without effecting hydraulic flows.
“With a strong hydraulic background, the management at Wilmot are very skilled and equipped for any questions regarding liner design and installation to achieve the desired outcome.”
For more information visit the Wilmot website.
This article was featured in the March 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.