17th - 18th September 2025
Rehabilitation Stream Schedule
Registration and Welcome Coffee (Foyer)
Kick off No-Dig Down Under 2025 with a warm welcome! Join us for registration and a coffee to start your day right, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for a full day.
Opening Address (Auditorium)
A welcome from ASTT Secretary Trevor Gosatti.
Trenchless Technologies for a Resilient Future: Decarbonising, Digitising, and Deploying Smarter Infrastructure (Auditorium)
As urbanizations accelerates and climate resilience becomes imperative, trenchless technologies are emerging as essential tools for modernising underground infrastructure. This talk explores a transformative approach to utility design and deployment, centered on a “Triple Mandate” to decarbonise, digitise, and deploy smarter systems. Through case studies and global best practices, we examine how digital twins, AI-driven simulations, and next-generation construction methods can dramatically reduce emissions—up to 90%—while enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and adaptability. We also spotlight the role of trenchless innovation in enabling underground electrification, supporting smart cities, and mitigating disruptions from extreme weather events and cyber threats. With policy support, workforce development, and continued R&D, trenchless technologies are poised to redefine how cities build resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
The Future is Fitted!
In a market traditionally dominated by coatings such as epoxy, calcium aluminate cement (CAC), polyurea, and polyethylene, Pipe Management Australia (PMA) is establishing a new standard in manhole rehabilitation by being the sole Australian company utilising Panel Lok PVC as a structural lining solution. Our factory-manufactured, tight-fitting PVC panel system offers a level of consistency and reliability that field-applied coatings often fail to deliver. Unlike coatings that rely heavily on on-site workmanship, Panel Lok ensures a flawless fit and finish every time, minimising human error and maximising lifespan. By utilising our 100% Australian-made Panel Lok materials, PMA has eliminated supplier delays and streamlined delivery. This proprietary advantage has led to faster installations, reduced disruption to communities, and a lower carbon footprint. These are further ways in which PMA continuously addresses key concerns for councils and utilities. With successful installations for more than six major clients and counting, this is not a trial - it is a proven method. Our approach maintains maximum internal diameter, delivers long-term structural integrity, and outperforms alternative methods in cost, quality, and efficiency. As infrastructure ages and expectations rise, this paper showcases why PVC is not just viable; it is essential. For those looking to future-proof their networks, this is a trenchless solution worth exploring.
Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation of Cast Iron Watermains in the City, Singapore
About 6.5km of aged cast iron watermains situated in the city with diameters ranging from 600-800mm are 70 to 100 years old. As all the watermains had no prior leak history, CA was carried out to determine their condition and the need for renewal. To allow for no disruption to service, a non-invasive CA method that harnesses acoustic technology such as ePulse was used to detect leaks and determine the average remaining wall thickness of pipe. Inspection and data collection do not require access inside of the pipe and no large excavations are required. The acoustic assessment was conducted by Echologics’ ePulse tool. It involves the use of a sound wave traveling between two points along the pipe, where the sensors’ readings from points 1 and 2 are transmitted to the receiver for data processing. Using the speed of the sound wave being emitted from CA tool on the external wall of the pipes, valves or fittings, the differences in observed speed of the sound wave allows for the average deterioration of the pipe wall between both points to be determined. In-situ corrosion pit depth measurements were also carried out to determine the extent of external pipe wall corrosion. No leaks were found. The assessment revealed that 34% of the watermains were found to have remaining service lifespan (RSL) of at least 10 years and are in good condition. 7% of the watermains has RSL of 1 to 9 years and are deemed to be moderate risk. 42% of the watermains surveyed were found to have exceeded the remaining service life (RSL) and are deemed to be high risk pipelines. There are 17% of the watermains had no results due to poor sound propagation and long distances between sensors. Jacobs then proceed to embark on the renewal plans for pipelines that were determined to be high risk and are in poor condition. However, due to proximity of both overground and underground structures/services in the city area, trenchless technology such as pipe lining by flexible composite liner was used to rehabilitate the pipe to restore the structural integrity and extend the service life of the pipe. Due to the presence of multiple pipe bends and varying existing pipe diameters along the existing pipe, rehabilitation by flexible composite liner was the recommended solution. The flexible composite liner (Primus Liner) is reinforced with aramid fabric with specifically developed connectors. Pre-lining CCTV survey and cleaning of the pipe was carried out to ensure that there is no obstruction and no infiltration within the pipe. Two temporary access rehabilitation pits were constructed between the 2 ends of the 400m cast iron pipe, to allow for pipe access for rehabilitation works. After cleaning of the existing pipe, the pipe condition is inspected before commencement of lining works. A winch is used to pull the liner through the existing pipe from one access pit to other access pit at the other end of the pipe. The rehabilitated pipe is inspected again by CCTV and commissioning of the rehabilitated was carried out. Both disinfection and pressure test of the rehabilitated pipe were conducted. Non-invasive CA and trenchless rehabilitation technology has allowed utility owners an effective and sustainable solution to inspect and rehabilitate existing ageing water pipes with minimal inconvenience and disruption to service. With continual advancement in CA and trenchless rehabilitation technology, utility owners around the world would have more tools and options to address the issue of inspecting the condition and restoring the service life of their buried ageing assets.
Meeting TRGS 519 Standards: Efficient and Safe Asbestos Cement Pipeline Rehabilitation
This paper presents an innovative trenchless method for rehabilitating asbestos cement pressure pipelines using a low-emission relining system. This approach eliminates the need for pipe removal, minimizes hazardous fibre release, and complies with stringent occupational safety regulations, particularly those defined in TRGS 519 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances). TRGS 519 is a German technical rule for hazardous substances, focusing on asbestos. It provides guidelines for risk assessment, protective measures, exposure limits, monitoring, training, health surveillance, and record-keeping to ensure worker safety when handling asbestos. Recognized by Germany's DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) as a low-emission procedure, this relining solution provides a legal and low-risk pathway for AC pipeline repair. In 2023, three separate projects were independently monitored, demonstrating fibre concentrations well below the legal threshold of 2,500 fibres per cubic meter. These results underscore the system's safety and efficiency. Realized projects highlight the benefits and practical advantages for operators, showcasing technical feasibility and regulatory compliance. This trenchless solution offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional methods, representing a significant advancement in asbestos pipeline rehabilitation.
Right first time - the German approach to quality assurance of cured in place pipe (CIPP) lining of sewers
The presentation will explain the development of Quality Assurance approaches to CIPP lining for gravity and pressure sewers, developed over past 20 years with German sewer network owners, by the, not-for-profit, IKT – Institute for Underground Infrastructure. It will particularly highlight where publicly available reports on the findings can be accessed. At the invitation of sewer network owners in the early 2000's , IKT excavated and examined sections of CIPP lined sewers, concluding that most of the abnormalities/defects observed related to installation issues. This led to the examination of samples from hundreds of new installations using short-term tests and the subsequent publishing of annual reports on the results of liner tests. Research then extended to comparing the performance of rehabilitation and repair techniques for lateral sewers, lateral connections, manholes and pressure sewers, at the one-to-one scale using test rigs comprising sewers with damage scenarios selected by the network owners. All of these projects resulted in recommendations for quality assurance by sewer network owners in procurement, installation and post installation to enable right first-time installations. The presentation will also highlight current international research on CIPP for larger diameter sewers being undertaken by IKT, that Australian and New Zealand Water Agencies are participating in with WSAA.
CIPP- lining technologies for the trenchless rehabilitation of Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes
There are hundreds of thousands kilometer of asbestos cement pipes in the ground all around the globe which are in urgent need of rehabilitation due to delamination problems especially among the pipe joints to avoid contamination of our precious water. As digging- and disposal of those pipes would be dangerous- and expensive for the network owner the aim was to find a smart technical solution to rehabilitate the existing networks with minimal impact on the AC host pipes so that those networks could be used for the next 50+ years. Target was to have a new structural pipe-in-pipe system which is able to bear all internal- and external loads which comes with a reasonable price-tag at the same time. To minimize the moving of loose asbestos fiber inside the AC pipes the NORDIFLOW system was identified as the best technology to overcome those problems while delivering at the same time a cost effective and fully structural trenchless solution. To ensure that no AC fiber can leave the area during the cutting of the AC pipes it was done with a low negative pressure and a special filter system which can catch all loose fibers.
Welcome Coffee and Networking (Foyer)
Start Day Two off on the right foot by connect with peers, catching up on yesterday’s highlights, and fuelling up for another day.
Latest International Trenchless Trends Panel Session
Discover what’s shaping the future of trenchless technology by joining industry experts as they discuss the latest international trends, innovative techniques, and emerging solutions that are transforming the way we plan and deliver underground projects.
Load Capacity of a Flexibly Lined Sewer Rising Main
A flexible hose type lining performs well when subject to internal pressure to prevent the leakage and the bursting of a sewer rising main. However, when the pipe is not pumping the limited support to the host pipe and the original deteriorated existing main has to be relied upon to resist the external applied earth pressure loadings and live loadings. This paper looks at a series of analyses that was carried out to set criteria which could be used to direct installers where the deterioration of the pipe was such that it could no longer be relied upon to support external loadings and strengthening or remedial measures are required to ensure the original pipe will perform satisfactorily for the required life of the lining.
EPR Rehabilitation of Asbestos-Cement Pipeline
Goulburn Valley Water and Intelligent Water Networks have co-funded the world first trial of EPR for rehabilitation of an asbestos cement (AC) water main in Fair Street, Shepparton. There are approximately 50,000 km of operating AC water and sewer mains that are at or past operating life and need replacement. The current permitted techniques include: • lift and relay, • bypass new pipe on new alignment, and • slip lining and cured in place EPR is Encapsulation Pipe Reline and the process in this trial is pipe reaming the AC pipeline with EncapsulAC. This will capture the AC pipe fragments and surrounding soil in a safe, identifiable and coagulated mass sitting outside a new Polyethylene water pipeline. The trenchless reaming process comprises: • old pipe as pilot hole for drilling rods • connecting the new polyethylene pipe to the rods • flow points out of cutting head injects fluid at it rotates and rods pulled back • creating a congealed mass enveloping the PE pipe comprising granulated old AC pipe, surrounding soil and vibrant blue coloured fluid. The trial project is the rehabilitation of 230m of 100mm diameter AC water main, constructed in 1968, located in a nature strip in a residential area. This presentation will review success and lessons learnt including: • Approval process • Project team members • Communication plan and feedback • Scope of works • Construction program • Costs of the project (monetary, carbon footprint, etc) • Rehabilitation efficiency • Comparison to other options • Standard guidelines • Sampling analysis results EPR could become a future viable option for rehabilitation of AC pipes
Belmore Bridge Sewer Rehabilitation: Applying Trenchless Technology Above the Ground
Belmore Bridge crosses the Hunter River and connects the suburbs Lorn and Maitland. In October 2000, a DN450 DICL sewer main was installed across the bridge. A 2023 condition assessment found the pipe was extensively corroded, much more than expected for its short life. When renewing aboveground sewer infrastructure, the obvious choice might be to remove and replace it – there’s no ground to contend with. In this case, and countless others across Australia, the pipeline crosses a body of water. Cutting into and removing pipe infrastructure risks sewage spill into a sensitive environment. Trenchless technology mitigates this risk. This project proves that trenchless technology can be applied in challenging above ground situations, retaining the same benefits realised in below-ground applications. This paper will discuss how Titeflow (die-reduction lining) is a viable option for sewer rising mains running over water, bridges, or in other sensitive environments. The unusual location of the pipe – a bridge – added complexities. During a typical Titeflow installation, the stretched pipe produces a significant amount of load force that acts compressively on the host pipe. This usually isn’t an issue because the force is transferred harmlessly to the surrounding earth. In this case, all the force would be acting on the pipe, bridge, and pipe supports. As well as the benefits of using trenchless technologies aboveground, this paper explores how the delivery team contended with the different forces that would be acting on the bridge during works and after renewal, and mitigated this through their design and methodology.
Revolutionising Water Infrastructure: Australia's First Installation of SAERTEX-LINER® H2O
Maintaining potable water pipes is critical to water authorities and asset owners worldwide to ensure safe, hygienic transportation of water to cities and communities. When accessibility challenges and the need to minimise environmental and community impacts make replacement difficult, trenchless rehabilitation becomes essential. Selecting the right solution was key for the trenchless rehabilitation of the DN463 feeder water main running through a busy street in Geelong, Victoria. Delivered for asset owner Barwon Water, the 388-metre project had to meet strict hygienic standards, minimise costs and disruption, and extend the asset’s service life. The pipeline had deteriorated beyond spot repairs, requiring proactive action to avoid emergency work and reduce community disruption. For this project, SAERTEX multiCom®’s SAERTEX-LINER® H2O was the selected rehabilitation product – a UV-cured fiberglass-reinforced liner developed specifically for the trenchless rehabilitation of potable water pipes. The principal contractor Total Plumbing Solutions (TPS) executed extensive planning with their suppliers to ensure precise execution of the project. Due to the length of the host pipe and the curing time requirements, the installation was completed in two phases of 194-meter section each. The TPS team of six, with supplier support, finished the installation within a week delivering a new, fully structural, hygienically approved pipe run at an operating pressure of 13 bar. This project showcases the planning, installation, and performance advantages of SAERTEX-LINER® H2O in extending the life of critical potable water assets.
Under Pressure: Trenchless Renewal Solutions for Pressure pipelines
This paper examines Australia’s looming ‘infrastructure cliff’ – the challenge posed by ageing water pipelines and the urgent need for sustainable, cost-effective renewals. As much of the nation’s water infrastructure nears the end of its lifecycle, traditional dig-and-replace methods are increasingly unsustainable. The paper advocates for proactive, trenchless renewal technologies tailored to the unique challenges of pressure pipelines, balancing innovation, established methods, and local conditions. It explores the critical importance of comprehensive condition assessments to identify pipeline failure mechanisms and guide technology selection. The structural classification of liners (per ISO 11295) is explained, emphasising distinctions between fully structural, semi-structural, and protective solutions. Key trenchless technologies, including cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), melt-in-place pipe (MIPP), spray-in-place pipe (SIPP), die-reduced polyethylene, fold-and-form, flexible fabric reinforced pipe (FFRP), and flexible reinforced plastic hose (FRPH), are described, with detailed discussion of their strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications. The paper also addresses the complexity of technology selection, considering service life, operating regime, pipe size, alignment, fittings, and cost. Special attention is given to the nuances of liner bonding and the structural performance of different technologies in defective pipes. The conclusion highlights the need for collaborative approaches between utilities and delivery partners, incentive structures for innovation, and holistic renewal strategies to overcome barriers to implementation. Ultimately, the work provides a practical framework for matching renewal technologies to real-world pipeline issues, ensuring the resilience of Australia’s water infrastructure.
Young Trenchless Professionals Poster Presentations
As part of the No-Dig Down Under 2025 Technical Poster Competition, finalists will present their technical poster which explores how trenchless solutions are making a measurable difference in areas such as emissions reduction, water conservation, social impact, or energy efficiency.