Challenge
The transport hub, responsible for the movement of 28 million tonnes of cargo annually, identified a critical vulnerability within its water infrastructure. A single trunk water main served a key operational area, posing a significant risk to ongoing operations and the broader economy. To mitigate this risk, the client sought a comprehensive assessment of the water main’s condition to inform strategic asset management decisions.
Solution
The transport hub engaged Aqua Analytics to conduct a non-invasive condition assessment of a critical asbestos cement (AC) water main. The evaluation utilised KenWave Dynamic Response Imaging (DRI) technology, a cutting-edge vibroacoustic method that provides detailed insights into pipeline integrity without requiring excavation or disruption to operations.
Aqua Analytics’ approach included:
- Nighttime Operations: The assessment was conducted during nighttime hours, adhering to strict safety protocols to avoid disrupting the transport hub's critical operations and minimising environmental noise.
- DRI Technology: DRI technology was employed to gather precise data on the water main's wall thickness, structural integrity, and potential points of concern.
- Expert Analysis: Aqua Analytics engaged a specialist third-party condition assessment engineer to analyse the DRI data and conduct a remaining useful life (RUL) analysis using advanced algorithms.
- Strategic Planning: The RUL analysis, combined with the detailed condition assessment, provided the client with crucial information to inform long-term asset management strategies, ensuring the ongoing reliability of the water main.
Results
- Comprehensive Condition Assessment: The DRI technology revealed variations in wall thickness along the pipeline, pinpointing areas of reduced structural integrity.
- Remaining Useful Life Prediction: The analysis projected the water main's remaining useful life until 2066, assuming continued operation at the current pressure levels and accounting for potential surges.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Armed with accurate data and expert analysis, the transport hub made informed decisions regarding maintenance, repair, or potential replacement of the water main, mitigating risks and ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Client Benefits
- Risk Mitigation: The project significantly reduced the risk of unexpected water main failures, safeguarding the transport hub's operations and minimising potential economic disruptions.
- Proactive Asset Management: The detailed condition assessment and RUL prediction enabled the client to develop a proactive maintenance and replacement strategy for the critical water main.
- Minimised Disruption: Aqua Analytics conducted the assessment at night to ensure minimal disruption to the transport hub's daily operations.
- Cost-Effective Solution: DRI technology offers a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional assessment methods, saving the client time and resources.
Conclusion
Aqua Analytics’ expertise in pipeline condition assessment and the advanced DRI technology played a crucial role in safeguarding the critical water infrastructure of a major Queensland transport hub. By providing accurate data and expert analysis, Aqua Analytics empowered the client to make informed decisions, mitigating risk and ensuring the continued smooth operation of their vital transportation network.
