ITS renovates culvert at Kiama Bends

Global News

Publishing Date: 21 Dec 2011 12:07pm GMT
Author: Trenchless World

Lining

Australia-based utility contractor ITS Trenchless recently carried out the structural renovation of two corrugated 900mm steel culverts at Kiama Bends in New South Wales. The client, RTA – Australia’s road traffic authority – required a solution that would last at least 50 years and would not result in loss of cross-sectional area.

The two 60m-long culverts are located under the Princes Highway. Access restrictions, not to mention the defects in the host pipe material, were just some of the challenges facing ITA Trenchless. In the end, it carried out the renovation using a Berolina-Liner fibreglass reinforced structural lining system cured by UV light, involving a portable UV curing unit with easy set-up and a minimal site footprint.

After the host pipes had been cleaned and prepared, a gliding foil pre-liner was installed to ensure the final liner would not be damaged when pulled-in. Once in position, end caps were fitted to the final liner before it was inflated and calibration started. This was followed by insertion of the light train to allow curing to commence. After curing, the ends were trimmed and the liner’s inner film removed, allowing the culvert to enter into service once again. The entire process took eight working days.