Successful Installation of Aquaspira Socket & Spigot Pipes at Cullercoates for Northumbrian Water by Costain
20%
Narrower Cut in Highway
27%
Less Excavation & Cartaway
60%
Fewer Site Deliveries
Enhanced Performance and Cost Efficiency
Costain successfully completed a Northumbrian Water project at Cullercoates, where Aquaspira’s Socket & Spigot pipes played a pivotal role. The pipes, made of steel-reinforced polyethylene, were chosen over traditional concrete pipes for their numerous advantages, including cost-efficiency and improved hydraulic performance.
Challenge
The project faced several challenges, including the need to maintain long-term structural integrity when located amongst other underground infrastructure within the existing highway. Additionally, efficient handling and installation of pipes in a congested environment with various existing services were essential requirements.
Solution
Another key reason behind the decision to use Aquaspira pipes was the realisation that when laying pipes in an existing highway, the contractor knew that they would have to contend with a multitude of other services. The combination of light weight 2.6m long pipes, with a minimal OD proved to be ideal for this environment, enabling quick, safe and efficient installation – without damaging any of the other services!
- Structural Performance: Aquaspira’s Socket & Spigot pipes ensured long-term structural performance while being exceptionally lightweight, weighing only 5% of the weight of concrete pipes.
- Reduced Handling Costs: The lightweight nature of Aquaspira pipes enabled the use of smaller equipment for lifting and handling, resulting in reduced operational costs and carbon.
- Narrower Trenches: Aquaspira pipes’ smaller outer diameter (OD) allowed for the excavation of narrower trenches. This led to less spoil removal and a smaller excavation footprint on the highway, streamlining construction and minimising disruption to the surrounding area.
- Navigating Existing Services: The slimline design of the 2.6m long Aquaspira pipes made them well-suited for navigating the complex network of existing services within the highway. This facilitated quick, safe, and efficient installation without posing a risk to other utilities.
Outcome
The successful installation of Aquaspira’s Socket & Spigot pipes at Cullercoates demonstrated their versatility and efficiency in overcoming the challenges of working within an existing infrastructure-rich environment. Costain benefitted from cost savings, reduced equipment requirements, and minimised disruption, ultimately ensuring the project’s success and the continued reliability of Northumbrian Water’s operations.
