CDOT HWY 52 Corrugated Metal Pipe Rehabilitation

The Problem

The deterioration of Corrugated Metal Pipe, (CMP) at the flow line is a result of exposure to oxygen and moisture mixed with metal, which causes rust. Other factors such as soil conditions and the acidity of the water flow will also affect the rate of deterioration.

When CMP deteriorates, water runs under the pipe instead of through and undermining of the structure occurs. Sink holes above the structure will begin as the soil collapses. The underlying bedding material or support fill is then exposed to water flow, and begins to erode away, causing voids and loss of structural support. This creates a potentially dangerous situation with the possibility for failure of the entire structure and collapse of the overlying roadway.

Concrete Stabilization Technologies, Inc.’s Field Consultant, Richard Hess was contacted by Colorado Department of Transportation Maintenance Department representative for Region 4, Zach Junk, concerning a deteriorated culvert beneath Colorado State highway 52 near Hudson, Colorado. The traditional method of tearing out and replacing eroded culvert pipe had proven to be a time consuming and disruptive process which had lead CDOT to seek a less disruptive solution.

The Solution

CST met on site with Mr. Junk and after reviewing the area, determined that our CMP repair process was an ideal fix for this particular culvert and overlying roadway. Subgrade stabilization injections from the roadway surface were included in the repair plan where exfiltration of soils through the rusted out pipe had caused variable settlement in the road surface above the culvert, requiring steel plates as a temporary fix against further damage to the road surface and vehicles. Thus, part of the CST complete solution was to not only secure the metal sheets to the old CMP but to also inject from the road surface above to 3′ to 4′ to reinforce the subgrade while replacing soil lost to exfiltration.

CDOT maintenance representative Zach Junk stated that he, “liked the fact that they didn’t have to close the road or detour traffic like they normally do when having to replace pipe.”

Structural integrity of the existing pipe was a concern and it was discussed that not only would the structural integrity of the pipe be restored, but also restoration of correct flow into the repaired pipe.

The ditch company expressed concern of subsequent debris buildup such as weeds and silt that may disturb the water flow. The repair design and installation is such that this concern is positively addressed and re-establishes water flow with no added obstruction.

After an in depth investigation and review of the site, it was assured that this would be an ideal repair process for the deteriorated culvert and CST was given the approval to begin the project.

Crews arrived on the job site around 10:00 a.m. to begin repairs. A significant amount of water was running in the ditch containing the culvert. While water was shut down, crews began deep injection to stabilize the sub-grade on the overlying roadway. Injections were made from the surface at a depth of approximately 3 ½ feet on 5 foot centers, while monitoring at the surface for move-ment. After the subgrade stabilization was complete, it was determined that one of the two overlying road lanes was in good shape and the other lane would only require select asphalt patching once repairs were complete.

The Results

Neither lane required any excavation during repair, due to CST’s unique in situ polymer injection process. Once stabilization of the roadway was complete, the crew began repairing the corrugated metal pipe. Repairs and cleanup were completed in one working shift. The Frico Ditch Company representative confirmed that “the ditch is flowing well”.

Benefits of CMP Repair

The patented CMP repair process is quick and non-disruptive. The pipe is first cleaned of any sticks, rocks, and other debris. Repairs begin on the outlet-side of the pipe where the new sheets of specially coated metal are laid, ensuring the corroded water line is covered. The metal sheets are then attached to the ribs of the pipe with corrosion resistant fasteners. Overlapping sheets are then continuously added and secured in place until the length of the pipe is completely reinforced. In this case, the culvert being repaired was approximately 50 feet long and 5 feet in diameter with the corrosion/water line reaching approximately one third of the way up the side wall of the culvert. Once the new metal sheets are all placed, and secured, expanding structural polymer is injected beneath the metal sheets, to fill any voids beneath the pipe. Excess material is removed and a tar coating is applied to the top edge of the new metal sheeting as an extra protective measure to deter rusting and to ensure longevity.  The benefits include:

• No-excavation
• Less disruptive
• Reduces costs
• No road or rail closure or downtime
• Repair equipment & material are easily mobilized
• Extends lifetime of invert
• No loss of flow
• Environmentally inert materials
• Completely restores structural integrity