Accelerating Progress with Aquaspira Composite Steel Reinforced Pipes for United Utilities
25%
Reduction in Programme
50%
Less Carbon
90%
Cut in Transport Miles
Aquaspira Pipes in the Douglas UID’s Scheme
The UU Balfour Beatty Network Construction Alliance embarked on a pioneering project to assess the feasibility and performance of Aquaspira Steel Reinforced Polyethylene Pipes in the first phase of their Douglas UID’s scheme. This innovative venture aimed to evaluate the technical capabilities of Aquaspira pipes and compare their installation efficiency to conventional concrete pipes, historically used for similar applications. The project focused on installing these pipes up to 4 meters deep alongside the A49, a key route into Wigan.
The project centered on the trial installation of Aquaspira pipes, aiming to measure their technical performance and assess the logistical and installation efficiencies. These pipes were selected as a potential alternative to concrete pipes due to their lightweight yet robust socket and spigot design, promising several advantages.
Challenge
Historically, concrete pipes had been the go-to choice for similar projects. The challenge was to demonstrate that AquaSpira pipes could outperform concrete pipes in terms of installation speed, structural performance, safety, environmental impact, and community relations.
Solution
- Programme Improvements: The Aquaspira pipes proved their mettle by significantly accelerating installation speed, thanks to their 30% reduction in excavation requirements compared to concrete pipes. This reduction translated to a 4-week reduction in the overall project timeline.
- Structural Performance: Despite initial concerns about ground conditions, Aquaspira pipes exhibited excellent structural performance, with deflection well below permissible limits. Their stability was confirmed just four days after installation.
- Health & Safety: Aquaspira pipes, weighing a mere 182Kg compared to the 3,620Kg of concrete pipes, offered a much safer handling and installation process. Aquaspira’s innovative Jointing Frame further enhanced safe and efficient jointing.
- Delivery and Offloading: Aquaspira’s efficient design meant fewer vehicles were required for offloading, reducing traffic congestion and risks, especially when dealing with overhead cables.
- Environmental Benefits: Aquaspira pipes utilised fewer raw materials and contained a proportion of recycled steel, contributing to a 25-30% total recycled material content. These eco-friendly attributes, combined with delivery, handling, and installation efficiencies, reduced the project’s environmental impact.
- Community Relations: The project’s streamlined processes minimised disruption to the local community in terms of timescale and operational activity, fostering positive community relations.
Outcome
The successful completion of the first phase of the project led Project Manager Tim Bradshaw and the UU Balfour Beatty Network Construction Alliance team to unanimously endorse Aquaspira pipes. Their immediate decision to continue using Aquaspira pipes in subsequent phases of the Douglas UID’s scheme and similar projects underscored the substantial benefits realised in terms of speed, safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Aquaspira had truly transformed the project landscape, offering a high-quality solution
The use of Aquaspira pipe provided efficiencies in the planned programme of two weeks. This, along with a third week saved on the programme by designing out a manhole, provided cost savings and reduced the disruption to our client customers.
Antony Gibbon
Senior Design Manager | Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions
