Key project highlights
Defined
best practice guidance on manhole rehabilitation for staff and contractors.
Enabled
a review of techniques suitability to UK water industry requirements.
Installed
confidence in companies’ decisions for manhole rehabilitation solutions.
Safeguarded
investment in methods that are both fit for purpose and cost-effective.
WRc’s technical experts performed technology evaluation and assessed capabilities of techniques for manhole inspection and rehabilitation and developed an industry specification for their use.
The need to fill a vital industry gap
Manholes are essential wastewater assets, and the primary means of access for sewer networks inspection and maintenance. Knowing the condition of these structures and estimating the residual asset service life is vital to determine asset intervention strategies but also inform financial planning, prioritise maintenance and maximise investment return.
Over time, the condition of manholes deteriorates and defects may occur, which can lead to infiltration and inflow that has such an adverse impact on wastewater collection and treatment and result in major issues for the network, but also safety hazards from the potential collapse of the structure. Deterioration of manholes may also lead to material falling into the sewer causing a potential blockage. Manholes’ structural and service condition can be an important system performance indicator.
‘Innovation through collaboration’
Whereas the inspection and rehabilitation of wastewater pipelines is well understood through the implementation of the Manual of Sewer Condition Classification and Sewerage Risk Management systems, knowledge of the condition assessment and rehabilitation of manholes was lacking.
WRc addressed this need for a technical specification document that covered both the inspection and rehabilitation of manholes in a recent collaborative project with Thames Water, Severn Trent Water, Northern Ireland Water, and Irish Water.
Technical guidance delivered for the water industry
The specifications for network operators provides a step-by-step approach to the management of manholes.
Assessment experts
We have a long track record of evaluating ‘fit-for-purpose’ products and techniques through our WRc Approved scheme.
Best practice advisors
We are experienced developers of industry best practice guidance and specifications for the operational use of various products.
Skilled team
Our technical experts deliver product knowledge based on practical testing and technology evaluation.