44 PROJECT
New method for fixing pipe cracks – a first for SA
Rescue Rod’ s client Jehovah Witness Watchtower, based in Krugersdorp, requested an on-site conditional assessment on the stormwater lines in and around its new media building.
By Cherry Ellis
Rescue Rod cleaned the stormwater piping using a high-pressure water jet unit, removing debris collected during cleaning activities and then conducted a CCTV-inspected stormwater conveyance piping, ranging between 450mm and 600mm in diameter. The CCTV inspection was performed and defects were noted.
“ On completion of the survey, we found that there were nine serious repairs required and these were not an option for excavation. Defects that result in scores of four or five include cracks, fractures, breaks, and holes in the piping. The majority of the piping was below a concrete floor located within and around the media facility,” says Bobby Smit from Rescue Rod, who, together with colleague Stuart Hawkins, headed up the project. An engineer was on site to oversee the project as well.
“ Open excavation to repair the piping would require a large effort and restoration of the subgrade and concrete floor would have been costly and would require multiple days to rehabilitate one defect. Upon reviewing and discussing the areas of a structural rating of four or five with the client, we recommended the Quicklock point repair system,” says Smit.
1A
Rescue Rod
Quicklock is a mechanical point repair system for the interior repair of pipes, and no resin is involved. This system consists of two components, a 316L stainless steel sleeve structural body, covered by a seamless EPDM compression seal. The sleeve is inserted through
September 2018 Volume 24 I Number 7 www. plumbingafrica. co. za