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State of Technology for Renewal of Sewer Force Mains
Citation:
SELVAKUMAR, A. AND A. N. TAFURI. State of Technology for Renewal of Sewer Force Mains. Urban Water Journal. Taylor & Francis Group, London, Uk, 8(5):279-292, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
This paper presents the results of a review of the state of technology for renewal of force mains (EPA, 2010). The review identified several needs, including the need for rational and common design approaches for rehabilitation systems, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and best practices for operation and maintenance. The gaps between needs and available technologies were identified along with major technologies developed for gravity sewer and water main rehabilitation that may be applicable to the renewal of force mains. 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, either by open cut or trenchless technologies. 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 carrying out a direct condition assessment on a buried force main, as well as rehabilitation methods for those found in distress. In addition, some newer methods developed for gravity sewers and water distribution systems may be adaptable to meet the special needs of sewer force mains. Documentation of demonstration projects and case studies are required to assist in the selection and application of emerging technologies. In addition, decision support tools will enable users to evaluate alternative rehabilitation solutions. In any case, as a first priority, utilities should consider implementing maintenance programs that can demonstratively extend the useful life of their current mains, deferring the cost of renewal or replacement to a future date.
