Conceptual Development of Reinforced Concrete Pipe Renewal Technology Using Modified Static Pipe Bursting

Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) has been one of the most common pipes for medium to large diameter utility systems including sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems. RCP typically has superior structural properties combining high compressive strength from concrete and tensile strength from reinforced steel. RCP tends to deteriorate over time due to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas in sewage and many other defects during its life cycle in sewer application. Traditional open cut has been used as the most common construction installation method to replace deteriorated RCP; however, it may cause disruption and increase various social costs especially in an urban environment. Trenchless technology has been accepted in many developed countries and proved to be a sustainable underground infrastructure construction solution that significantly reduces disruption and social costs. Pipe bursting has been successfully implemented for sewer replacement; however, an application for RCP still remains a technical challenge mostly due to difficulty of effectively cutting steel embedded in the RCP. This paper proposes a conceptual development that effectively cut steel and replace with a new pipe using a modified pipe bursting technology. Keywords— RCP; Sewer Renewal; Trenchless Technology;