Trenchless methods of water networks replacement including asbestos-cement type, on the selected example

Abstract

In recent years, the analyzed Water Supply and Sewerage Company has been using trenchless methods of water pipes renewal. Unfavorable age structure of the water supply network (over 64% of pipelines are older than 25 years) and unfavorable material structure (almost 20 km of pipelines are made of asbestos-cement). This forces the company to develop a long-term strategy for water network renewal without being limited to planning for a period of two or three years, and such has been functioning in the enterprise so far. An additional challenge for the company is the program of removing asbestos and products containing asbestos used on the territory of Poland. This means that PWIK, by 2032, has to replace about 1.3 km of the water supply network from asbestos-cement pipes every year. The possibility of replacing asbestos-cement water pipes with trenchless technologies should be used by PWiK to the maximal possible extent. Adding to this the need to renovate old pipelines in heavily urbanized areas and undoubted financial benefits, not to mention the remaining advantages of trenchless methods for performing these works. The increase in the use of these methods of renewal of water supply pipelines in the company is inevitable. The company’s activities should focus in this direction. The satisfaction of owners of areas where works are carried out, both institutional and private, is of great importance when using trenchless methods. The small scope of earthworks and the speed of repairs have a big impact on changing the company’s image outside.