Case Study: Extending the Life of 20 Metre Pipe Bridges Through Leak Repair & Reinforcement

Bridging the gap until replacement – two leaking pipe bridges in the UK have their lifespans extended

Leaking joints on a 1.5 metre diameter pipe bridge and a 1.8 metre diameter pipe bridge undergo repair, followed by the entire reinforcement of both bridges along their 20 metre length to extend lifespan and offer maximum gain on investment.

Case Study Data


Site
Pipe Bridges
Location
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Repair Type
Leak repair & pipeline reinforcement
Defect
1.5m x 20m pipe bridge and 1.8m x 20m pipe bridge leaking from corroded riveted joints

Products Used


Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape
Self-fusing silicone repair tape used to seal the numerous leaks on the two pipe bridges.

SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage
Four-layer application over the entire length of the bridges for protection, strengthening and life-extension.

Case Study PDF


Case Study Details


The two gravity-fed pipe bridges in Lancashire which were constructed of steel riveted plates had become corroded over time. They were now leaking in several places, allowing foul wastewater to fall into a stream below.

Although it was planned to replace these pipe bridges at some point in the future, an immediate solution was required to stop the leaks. At the same time, the lifespan of the bridges also needed extending so that maximum benefit could be gained from the investment required for such a complex repair.

One of the pipe bridges prior to undergoing repair

These complexities included building scaffolding on the riverbed and sourcing materials for the repair and reinforcement of such substantial pipe bridges: one being 1.5m x 20m and the other 1.8m x 20m.

A previous attempt had been made to seal some of the leaking joints using ratchet straps with a rubber pad. These however had proven unsuccessful and further leaks had appeared since.

A previous repair attempt had been made the the leaking riveted joint

Sylmasta were consulted on the repair, and it was decided that Wrap & Seal Pipe Burst Tape would be used over the leak areas. Wrap & Seal is a heavy duty repair tape made from self-amalgamating silicone which, when stretched by 300 percent across a leak, forms a tight rubber seal. Multiple layers increase the pressure applied until the leak stops.

Once all leaks had been addressed, the entire structure was wrapped with SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage. SylWrap HD is a composite repair wrap with a water-activated resin which sets rock hard in minutes, providing protection and reinforcement to pipework.

A 20 metre pipe bridge in the United Kingdom undergoes repair and reinforcement with SylWrap HD Pipe Repair Bandage
Completed repair of the first pipe bridge

Four layers of SYL1266HD (300mm x 20m) were applied to each of the pipe bridges along their 20m length, providing a substantial protective sleeve, completing the repair and guarding against future leakage and corrosion.

Although the utilities company responsible for the pipe bridges were only seeking a temporary solution, using SylWrap HD in the repair provided reinforcement and additional strength which will last for 20 years.

Once the repair was completed, it was estimated that a saving of approximately £250,000 had been made compared to the cost of replacing both pipe bridges, so Sylmasta’s solution was very much welcomed by all involved.

If you have an application you would like to enquire about, then please get in touch

Call: +44 (0)1444 831 459
Email: sales@sylmasta.com

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