Reline America celebrates the achievements of Achen-Gardner Construction of Tucson, Arizona, for their pipeline rehabilitation project with the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (PCRWRD). The complex project earned Achen-Gardner the 2024 Project of the Year award at Reline America’s annual installer meeting in Saltville, Virginia. Spanning 1,240 linear feet of vitrified clay pipe (VCP), this project was notable not only for its technical challenges but also for the innovative solutions Achen-Gardner applied to overcome them.
A challenging scope
The Pima County pipeline required more than standard rehabilitation practices, as it involved two siphons beneath the Santa Cruz Wash, with vaults situated on either side. Upon inspection, the Achen-Gardner team discovered these siphons were nearly 90% obstructed with debris, necessitating an intensive cleaning phase to restore flow capacity and prepare the pipeline for further inspection. This level of debris posed unique challenges, particularly in terms of confined space entry and safe material removal.
The depth and curvature of the siphons added considerable complexity, as the pipeline geometry increased the risk of liner wrinkles or defects during the curing process. To address these potential issues, Achen-Gardner worked diligently in planning and executing each phase of the project. Their thorough approach enabled the project’s success, avoiding common issues like liner misalignment and undercured sections that can compromise durability.
Comprehensive cleaning and inspection
In situations where pipelines are obstructed to this degree, conventional cleaning may not be sufficient for installing a high-quality ultraviolet light-cured, glass-reinforced pipe (UV GRP) liner. Achen-Gardner conducted an extensive cleaning regimen, carefully managing the bypass operations and guaranteeing the pipeline interior was pristine before proceeding with rehabilitation.
Following cleaning, the team conducted a thorough inspection to assess the pipeline’s interior condition. This inspection allowed Achen-Gardner to detect any remaining obstructions, as well as assess the structural condition of the VCP. These insights were critical to verifying that the pipeline was ready for the next step: the installation of Reline America’s Alphaliner 1800.
Installing Alphaliner 1800
To handle the demands of this project, Achen-Gardner selected Reline America’s Alphaliner 1800. This liner is designed to provide exceptional strength, making it an ideal choice for pipelines with complex geometries and demanding conditions. Unlike felt-based liners, Alphaliner 1800’s composition offers superior tensile strength and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of wrinkles, folds, or other defects during the curing process.
The choice of Alphaliner 1800 was particularly significant given the depth and curvature of the siphons. UV GRP liners like Alphaliner maintain their rigidity and shape integrity even in challenging pipeline geometries, whereas traditional materials can buckle or deform under similar conditions. The UV curing process also ensures the liner hardens uniformly, creating a seamless and structurally sound installation.
Exceeding expectations
Achen-Gardner’s dedication to quality was reflected in the final inspection of the rehabilitated pipeline. Following the installation and curing process, a post-installation inspection verified that the liner met all quality standards. This inspection was essential to confirm that the liner was free of wrinkles, defects, and potential vulnerabilities that could impact the pipeline’s long-term performance.
“The PCRWRD JOC Rehabilitation Team is very satisfied with the overall results of the work performed by the Achen-Gardner crews on the NOW Siphon CIPP Project,” said Mike Roberts, project manager for PCRWRD. “The liner was installed defect-free, looks great, and exceeded our expectations.”
The importance of skilled, certified contractors
A project of this complexity requires a high level of expertise in using sophisticated trenchless technology and maintaining stringent safety and quality standards. Achen-Gardner’s crews are fully certified through Reline America’s training program, which equips contractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to install UV GRP liners effectively. This certification confirms each installation meets rigorous technical standards, from liner handling and curing techniques to real-time monitoring and post-installation inspections.
Reline America only partners with contractors who have completed the comprehensive training and certification process, guaranteeing that all Alphaliner installations are performed to the highest standards. The Achen-Gardner team exemplifies the expertise, precision, and commitment to quality that Reline America looks for in its partners.
Setting the standard for pipeline rehabilitation
The Achen-Gardner team’s approach to this project went above and beyond industry norms. They navigated complex challenges, including bypass coordination, confined space entry, and the intricacies of working with a highly obstructed pipeline. Their use of Reline America’s Alphaliner 1800 and advanced monitoring technologies ensured a successful installation, free of defects and fit to serve for decades to come.
To learn more about Alphaliner and Reline America’s network of certified installers, visit RelineAmerica.com.
