A Closer Look at Fiberglass-Reinforced Lining

Odd-shaped pipe lining jobs can be tricky. Fiberglass-reinforced lining can significantly improve rehabilitation projects on these pipes.
A Closer Look at Fiberglass-Reinforced Lining
A large-diameter pipe lined with UV-cured fiberglass-reinforced liner.

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New-and-improved materials and technologies are part of the reason the drain cleaning and plumbing industry is so exciting. These advancements provide countless options for contractors to complete stronger and longer-lasting lining and rehabilitation jobs. 

Fiberglass-reinforced lining, for instance, is a newer product and is ideal for non-circular structural relining jobs. Odd-shaped pipes can lose a lot of strength, and this type of lining can significantly improve rehabilitation projects. 

Some time ago we were asked to provide a product that would reinforce a trunk main at a major airport. If the pipe failed, the entire airport would be shut down. We locked fiberglass-reinforced panels together, and then grouted to form a monolithic installation with the host pipe.

Today, that robust sewer looks the very same as it did on the final day of installation several years ago. 

As more of the nation’s aging pipes and culverts need to be relined, contractors are embracing fiberglass-reinforced lining to add significant strength to pipelines, and not at the cost of major cross sectional diameter loss. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic products combined with the latest UV-cured liners on the market today strengthen pipeline rehabilitation jobs.

Fiberglass-reinforced lining might add about 10 percent to the cost of a job, but it increases overall pipe strength when compared to conventional liners. These self-contained, waterless UV systems mean no material contamination to waterways from the lining process. This thin-walled, high-strength lining option takes stormwater pipe and culvert rehabilitation jobs to the next level.

Another bonus? Fiberglass-reinforced lining has also been advantageous in the development of certain portions of lateral liners. Resins and material create stronger liners, but in most cases, the resin provides the bulk of the strength. When glass is added, the liner becomes more rigid, creating more consistent strength and durability.

Using glass to reinforce the portion of liner where the lateral meets the main ensures the reinforced junction connection will hold the hydrophilic seal in place and prevent leaking, even if the liner comes unglued from the host pipe.

Fiberglass-reinforced products create an added layer of protection for lining systems, and they offer many other benefits:

  • Higher strength and greater resistance to outside forces
  • Significant environmental advantages with reinforced UV cured systems
  • Reduced diameter loss in certain applications
  • Longevity of various repair systems
  • Secure non-circular structures

About the Author
Kim K. Lewis is chairman and CEO of LiquiForce Services in Kingsville, Ontario, Canada. The company develops specialized processes for the sewer rehabilitation industry. Lewis helped create and chaired the North American Association of Pipeline Inspectors to provide video inspection language for contractors and municipalities across North America. Contact him at www.liquiforce.com.



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