Background Information and Challenge
During the regularly scheduled pipeline maintenance process, a section of pipe was identified with some possible damage. The noted pipe section was situated beneath a stream bed. In order to perform a proper investigation and potential repairs, the pipe section needed to be exposed and examined. Since the stream was fish-bearing, the Owner was required to divert the water flow around the work area rather than cut off the flow altogether.
The watershed for the river basin covers an area of approximately 18,000 km2 and is susceptible to rapid swelling due to heavy rainfall upstream. Given this, the diversion method must withstand one in every 100-year rainfall event.
Solution
Layfield was contacted about the pipeline maintenance project during the design phase to review the entire project. Due to the stream’s potential to swell rapidly, it was decided that two – 4.8m x 26m AquaDams would be utilized (one upstream and one downstream of the diversion). In addition to the AquaDam®, a SuperFlume would be incorporated to direct the water flow around the work site. Once onsite, it was decided that a 1.8m x 15m AquaDam® would be installed at the downstream location.
Results
Layfield supplied and assisted with installing the AquaDam® alongside the Owner and General Contractor. The inspection and repair took place as designed, ensuring the pipeline system’s integrity.
