The focus of the study outlined in this proposal will be to assess the suitability of the applied resin layer for use as a long term stand-alone pipe as more of the BAE pipe becomes exposed to the surrounding environment following the continuing deterioration of the host pipe.
There are a number of test that can be done to establish the ability of the applied resin to withstand the external loads which could be applied if the external water table is high. The resistance of the resin layer to collapse from external loading is related to the long term stiffness of the resin material and this will be established through a series of laboratory tests which establish test times for a range of loads which can be extrapolated to provide a modulus value for 50-year life. A number of specialist materials testing providers will need to be approached to ensure that the full range of requirements can be successfully undertaken.
The completion of these tests will provide a key determinant in the assessment of the technical viability of the BAE solution.