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