The majority of water distribution pipes in North America have been in service for more than 100 years. Figure 1, a sample pipe from municipal water supply system, shows tuberculation and corrosion that restricts water flow and aids microbial (bacterial) growth along interior walls. As pipes age, visible distress signs, such as increased number of leaks and breaks, and dirty water complaints increase exponentially. These factors increase water systems’ operation, maintenance and renovation costs, and amplify public health risks. Therefore, new and cost-effective methodologies and technologies are needed to refurbish aged water distribution systems.
This research project will develop an innovative technology that will renew deteriorated water supply pipes at a fraction of cost and time when compared to the traditional open-cut pipe replacement method. Furthermore, the proposed technology will significantly reduce social and environmental costs (e.g., traffic delays, inconvenience to public and businesses, and greenhouse gas emissions) due to construction activities.

Figure 1: Typical Watermain

Optimal strategies for financially sustainable management of drinking-water and wastewater networks

This project investigates the application of stochastic models to describe construction cost movements for water and wastewater pipelines construction projects. The multi-disciplinary, multi-perspective initiative will contribute to the knowledge-base required to set government policy and regulations and to implement Ministry of Environment’s financially sustainable drinking-water and wastewater system legislation. The research will enable municipalities and public-private infrastructure providers to estimate more reasonable prices applicable to water and wastewater systems.

Figure 2: Expected Future Costs

Flexural and tensile testing of PVC piping products for trenchless applications

BullDog™ joint is an integrated gasket and metallic barbed insert that fits into a standard PVC belled pipe. The barbs on a metallic insert are designed to be directional so that it barbs allows easy insertion of the pipe into the joint and grabs when the pipe joint is pulled in tension. BullDog™ joint will be used to install PVC pipe using a directional drill.
This project tests the BullDog™ Joint Restraint System (1) in direct tension with no pipe deflection, and (2) in tension with the pipe deflected at the manufacturer maximum recommended pipe joint deflection (3 degrees for 8in pipe). The testing will determine the tensile behaviour of the BullDog™ joint system for 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12inch diameter PVC pipes.

Figure 3: Test In Progress

Field and lab evaluation of 3M Spray-in-Place Pipe Coating for watermains

This pilot project evaluates the new 3M Spray-in-Place Pipe Coating for renovation of deteriorated and aging cast and ductile iron pipelines. The three phases of the project include: (1) completing literature review, identifying knowledge gaps, and developing a preliminary pilot study plan; (2) evaluation of the 3M product during the lining of the 1000m of 150mrn diameter watermain, and onsite consultation and evaluation of tapping of the product; and (3) lab testing of field lined samples to determine and validate short-term tensile and flexural mechanical properties.