Design and rehabilitation of an urban gravity interceptor using pipe bursting in Norfolk, Virginia

The City of Norfolk, Virginia, Department of Utilities recently completed 1,270 feet (387 m) of 20 inch (508 mm) gravity sanitary sewer pipe rehabilitation by pipebursting an existing 18 inch (457 mm) clay and concrete gravity interceptor sewer. Initial television inspections of the pipe showed areas of partial collapse and severe deterioration which prompted Baker and the City to recommend that the 72 year old sewer pipe be replaced or rehabilitated. Major issues encountered during the construction phase were the time constraints, coordination with other contractors in the construction corridor, traffic control, bypassing of the sewage flow, and the location of pipe layout/staging areas. Pipebursting enabled the project to be completed within the time constraints while minimizing disturbance to the downtown streets and other construction activities.