Culvert Sliplining is a method of pipe repair that has been around for decades. It is used to repair a structurally-deficient pipe, or to add more service life to an existing pipe. Much of our nation’s infrastructure is aging. For example, in the Northeast, some of the oldest infrastructure includes galvanized metal pipe and concrete/brick pipe that has been in the ground anywhere from 50 to even 100 years. Sliplining is generally a trenchless method, and involves sliding a slightly smaller pipe into the defective pipe, or “host” pipe. The insertion of the smaller pipe will effectively strengthen and repair any issues with structural integrity and/or the infiltration of water and silts. Before this process can begin, the structural and hydraulic properties of the smaller pipe are checked to ensure it will provide sufficient support for the host pipe. Once the new pipe is inserted, bulkheads are built in the upstream and downstream ends. To fuse the pipes, grout is then injected into the annular space between the old and the new pipe.
Municipalities and clients will often research and select culvert sliplining for their project because it checks several socioeconomic boxes. It is also a very cost-effective method for pipe repair. Some of the reasons to choose slipining include, but are not limited to:
Generally speaking, the lifespan of a culvert slipline design is meant to be the same as a given roadway or site, meaning the aim is a minimum 50-to-100-year lifespan. This is a consideration that is always discussed during the vetting and design phase, or during discussions with the project owner. It is important to note that design criteria, such as pH tolerance, abrasion levels, resistivity of the soils and water, live load from traffic/rail/aircraft, and dead loads (among other design factors), can affect the service life of any material.
All pipe products represented by DLVEWS Inc. are fully structural and pass the high standards and requirements of even the most stringent highway requirements. All of our solutions are AASHTO and/or ASTM qualified. As an added benefit, these solutions do not rely on the condition of the host pipe or the surrounding grout for structural capacity. This means they can also be buried directly or used as standalone solutions. When owners, engineers, contractors, and developers work with DLVEWS, they can feel confident that the best hydraulic and structural options have been offered to them.
Which products does DLVEWS use for sliplining?
In order to best serve our clients, DLVEWS represents the following products:
Additional options are also offered as needed based on project scope.
Each site presents its own unique challenges, but DLVEWS has a solution for them all. For example, consider a site with active water that would disrupt normal culvert sliplining activities. While smaller flows can be easily accommodated while lining, we’ll set up a bypass for more significant water activity. Installers would then build bulkheads using brick and mortar or high-strength mortar. Skid rails and blocking would then be established so that the liner pipe does not float or get damaged during the installation and grouting process. Grout is then injected into the annular space. We will often recommend the use of a low-density cellular grout or lightweight cellular concrete (LDCC or LWC. This material is very pumpable, flowable, and presents a lot less buoyancy force on the liner.
We invite you to call DLVEWS to discuss your project and the many solutions we can provide you.