Safe, Clean Water for Generations, No Matter What.
New seismic resilient aqua-pipe proven to withstand most severe earthquake conditions
As cities and communities around the globe face increasingly complex (and severe) environmental conditions that can threaten critical underground lifelines including water main and liquid and gas fuel conduits, the solution-oriented scientists at SANEXEN WATER believed the next generation of their Aqua-Pipe technology could protect these lifelines from rupture during extreme seismic and flooding events.
The results from recent seismic testing at Cornell University’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Geotechnical Lifelines Large-Scale Testing Facility in Ithaca, NY, confirmed that Aqua-Pipe technology maintains its integrity and does not rupture during rigorous simulated in-ground earthquake scenarios. In fact, tests proved that Aqua-Pipe would have easily withstood both the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake sequence in Christchurch, NZ.
“These results far exceed what we had expected for this next generation of Aqua-Pipe’s resilience,”
explained Kevin Bourbonnais, President and CEO of LOGISTEC Environment and SANEXEN. “To quote Thomas Denis O’Rourke, Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell who was present for the testing, “You are now exceeding everyone!”” Aqua-Pipe was able to withstand a 48in shearing deformation resulting in a 14° rotation at pipe joints and a total of 31in joint extension under 80-psi water pressure with no leaks, no water loss and no loss of pressure.
“This is a game changer for cities including those near fault lines along the west coast and earthquake sensitive regions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Aqua-Pipe next generation can transform our water main and gas lines infrastructure from being a liability during an earthquake, to a utility that can be counted upon during a time of need,”
reinforces Madeleine Paquin, President and CEO, LOGISTEC Corporation.
With over 1,200 miles installed, SANEXEN has a proven method of lining pipes that eliminates water main breaks and water leakage, and this method offers 50+ years of life expectancy. Not only is this technology two times less expensive than the traditional open cut method, GHG emissions are six times less when compared to traditional open cut. Most importantly, this water main renewal technology is NSF61 certified, meaning that it fully meets the regulatory health and safety requirements for the U.S. and Canada.
SANEXEN’s expertise and solution-oriented approach, with over 35 successful years in the Environmental sector, is built on the use of leading-edge technology, resourcefulness and a focus on results for their customers. Their common-sense approach to tackling today’s complex environmental conditions through research, development, testing, pilot projects, challenging the status quo, has helped many municipalities face the daunting task of replacing or refurbishing their aging water main infrastructure. With the results of this testing, SANEXEN WATER is able now able to offer invaluable peace of mind with the additional protective and resilient qualities of Aqua-Pipe next generation in cities facing seismic events and extreme weather conditions.
Next, the SANEXEN WATER team will continue to work closely with Public and Municipal Utilities to plan the of Aqua-Pipe next generation installation throughout cities in North America working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure that their water main infrastructure is solid and that the people who live and work there are safe. SANEXEN’s scientists will continue to do what they do – they will leverage their deep expertise to discover new and innovative technologies to tackle today’s ever-changing environmental challenges head-on for generations to come.
For a more detailed technical and scientific results report on these tests, please contact Ben Côté at 450-466-2123 or toll free at 1-800-263-7870.