Monash Infrastructure to lead $3 million research project on smart lining of fresh water pipes

With critical infrastructure ageing as our cities boom, a peak hour burst water pipe under a main road has the potential to cause crippling traffic chaos we can no longer afford. With the award of an extra $3 million Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) grant from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, a Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) facilitated research partnership between a group of industry participants, Monash University, University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney will now address limited performance and poor market penetration of ‘smart linings’, a technology that could extend the lifespan of ageing pipes, preventing costly leaks.

Running from March 2018 until the end of 2021, the smart lining of fresh water pipes research theme of the project will be led by Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering and Monash Infrastructure’s Executive Group member Professor Jayantha Kodikara. The $24 million project funding covering all project themes has been provided by 26 diverse local and international partners across the water utility, construction materials and non-profit water research sectors. The project will also develop smart lining for waste water pipes and a Smart Asset Management (SAM) tool to cost-effectively and safely prioritise the fixing of pipes ready to burst.

“Smart pipe lining technologies can increase the service life of pipes, reduce the need for immediate pipeline replacement, and mitigate safety risks associated with removing and handling pipes,” said Professor Kodikara. “However, the market penetration of lining technologies has been limited due to the absence of demonstrable long-term performance, consistent standards and specifications. Additionally, the use of SAM tools such as robotics and sensing have been limited. This project will help address the risks and costs associated with ageing water infrastructure in cities all around the world.”