7.1 Life Extension Effect
The most fundamental value of trenchless pipe rehabilitation is the reuse of existing pipes without demolition. By forming a lining inside the pipe, it restores the structural performance even of aged pipes.
At Costco Yangjae, a sewage pipe corroded after 25 years of use was rehabilitated using a trenchless method without demolition. This case demonstrates that even old pipes can have their performance restored without complete replacement.
In the case of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, recoating for saltwater corrosion prevention extended the recoating cycle. However, specific extension figures are not detailed on the HIGHCOATIC website, so separate verification is required if precise figures are needed.
7.2 Cost and Time Savings
Compared to excavation-based replacement, trenchless methods can eliminate several process steps.
compared to existing epoxy/urethane
compared to general urethane
after application
Excavation-based replacement requires sequential steps of excavation, backfilling, and road/pavement restoration, but trenchless methods eliminate the need for these processes entirely. This significantly reduces road closure periods and construction time, and eliminates backfilling and pavement restoration costs.
7.3 Environmental Benefits
Trenchless pipe rehabilitation offers environmental benefits in both the application process and the materials used.
- Minimization of Construction Waste: By reusing existing pipes without demolition, the generation of construction waste, such as demolished pipes and concrete/asphalt debris, is reduced.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: The absence of excavation, backfilling, and pavement restoration processes helps reduce carbon emissions from the operation of related equipment.
- 0% Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Polyurea is a material with 0% VOCs, minimizing its impact on workers and the surrounding environment during application.
- Drinking Water and Food Facility Certifications: All products hold certifications for use in drinking water and food facilities from relevant authorities in countries such as the USA, Singapore, Canada, and China, allowing for safe application in water supply pipes.
PART 7 Summary
- Trenchless pipe rehabilitation extends the lifespan of existing pipes by reusing them without demolition.
- Even aged pipes used for over 25 years, like in the Costco Yangjae case, can be candidates for rehabilitation.
- The waterproofing duration is 3-5 times longer than existing epoxy/urethane, and tensile strength is approximately 10 times greater than urethane.
- The application speed, with curing within 10 seconds and traffic possible within 30 minutes, contributes to shorter construction periods.
- Reduced construction waste, lower carbon emissions, 0% VOCs, and drinking water facility certifications serve as environmental benefits.