Hawthorn Main Sewer Rehabilitation
As part of the Safety Focus Performance Joint Venture (SFPJV), we worked with Melbourne Water to rehabilitate the Hawthorn Main Sewer under the Capital Works Program. This critical asset, serving a large catchment from Camberwell to Richmond, had reached the end of its lifespan. Through a collaborative framework, SFPJV designed, rehabilitated and commissioned the sewer to ensure continued service for approximately 50,000 people and businesses.
Scope of works
The scope of work involved:
- Installation of internal liners in brick sewer conduits.
- Rehabilitation of all existing manholes.
- Decommissioning of one manhole.
- Flow management.
- Traffic management.
- Temporary and staging works.
- Testing and commissioning works.
- Backfilling of all ventilators.
- Decommissioning of Canterbury branch diversion flows.
Innovative manhole relining
A key aspect of the project involved the rehabilitation of manholes, located 12-18m deep, which extended the assets' lifespan by 50 years while minimising disruption to residents. The team implemented advanced Cured in Place Manhole (CIPM) technology, incorporating laser scanning, the fabrication of a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) membrane, and curing with high-temperature steam, all completed within just two days.
This innovative approach significantly reduced labour costs and traffic management requirements compared to traditional methods, which typically take 8-10 days and involve higher risks. The project set a global record for the deepest manhole lined at the time using this technology, providing valuable insights to the parent company, Alternative Lining Solutions.
Risk management and safety protocols
Prior to the commencement of works, various risks were addressed, particularly high sewer flows. These flows presented safety concerns and could impact project delivery. The management strategies employed depended on the sewer rehabilitation methodology being adopted. Sewer bypassing was implemented when dry host pipelines were required for Cured-in Place Pipe rehabilitation, while flow management techniques were utilised during the pipe jacking of GPR segments.
To ensure the safety of all personnel involved, especially during confined space entries, detailed flow management plans were developed and adhered to throughout the project.
Community benefit
The rehabilitation of the 116-year-old Hawthorn Main Sewer that serves around 50,000 residents and businesses from Camberwell to Richmond has extended its lifespan by 50 years. The innovative methodology to renew the sewer mitigated costs and disruption for the client and the broader community and has contributed positively to the overall sustainability of the region.
Read more about the Joint Venture
Safety Focused Performance Joint Venture (SFPJV)
The Melbourne Water (MW) Major Capital Delivery Program for design and construction and rehabilitation services commenced in June 2018 to deliver capital works and renewals projects across both water and sewerage assets for 10 years. The Safety Focused Performance Joint Venture (SFPJV), a partnership between a partnership between Abergeldie, Downer, and Stantec, is one of two service providers actively bidding and delivering work packages under the program.
