Updating an aging infrastructure asset to keep drinking water flowing in the Hamilton Mountain District

Kenilworth Trunk Watermain Rehabilitation

The Kenilworth Trunk Watermain is one of two transmission mains for the water distribution network in the Hamilton Mountain area. Constructed in 1959 and 1960, this aging infrastructure needed updating. The City of Hamilton retained our team to assess viable renewal options, develop a plan of action, and provide design and construction support.

The size and surroundings of the watermain presented some unique challenges that required our team to adjust our typical approach to analysis and assessment. Located within a 2.7-metre (8.9-foot) tunnel, the 1,050-millimetre (41-inch) steel pipe restricted access and limited the space in which we could conduct our assessment.

We determined that the most effective course of action would be to adopt trenchless rehabilitation technologies option versus a replacement option. We conducted ultrasonic testing, closed circuit television and visual inspections, and guided wave ultrasonics. Trenchless rehabilitation technology options included epoxy coatings, carbon fiber wrap, chemical grouting, and a glass fiber repair system.

During our assessment, we found that deterioration of the watermain varied along its length and continued to change throughout the course of the project. In addition to limited workspace, the process of addressing any repairs or replacement presented other challenges. This included high operating pressures in the trunk watermain, a short construction window, and the multiple drivers contributing to the deterioration of the steel pipeline.

Emergency planning played a crucial role in the overall project to keep the community’s water supply uninterrupted. Key elements included an emergency repair protocol, backup power generators at the pump station, and installation of a jumper system. This planning also included additional monitoring of the pipe condition, development of a priority repair sequence, and a communication protocol.

The resulting rehabilitation allows the City of Hamilton to provide the community with a critical water distribution asset they will be able to rely upon for many years to come.