Location: Putney
Duration: One Week
Sector: Commercial
Drainage Remediation for Major UK Rail Contractor
Client Overview
Mr. Paul Gresly, acting on behalf of a leading UK rail infrastructure contractor, approached our team to address persistent drainage failures on a heavily trafficked railway line. The recurrent flooding was causing operational disruption, significant maintenance costs, and increased safety risks.
To accurately diagnose the problem, our engineers conducted a comprehensive CCTV drainage survey along the affected line. The findings informed our remedial approach and long-term maintenance strategy.
The Challenge
The existing drainage network was suffering from extensive mineral scale buildup and reduced internal diameter, severely restricting flow capacity. Notably:
- Significant calcified deposits were observed throughout key sections of the network, impeding flow and exacerbating flood incidents during periods of high groundwater or rainfall.
- A large displaced joint was detected between two manholes. The misalignment created a snag point where debris accumulated, increasing the likelihood of recurring blockages and further deterioration of the pipe structure.
- Due to the age of the system and the surrounding geology, groundwater with high mineral content was accelerating corrosion and sediment accumulation.
Unaddressed, these conditions would continue to compromise the line’s operational reliability and increase the likelihood of emergency shutdowns.
Our Solution
We implemented a targeted remediation plan focused on restoring full hydraulic efficiency and structural integrity:
- Mechanical Descaling
A high-precision milling machine was deployed to mechanically remove the limescale and mineral deposits from the pipeline walls. This technique ensured full restoration of the pipe’s diameter without damaging the existing infrastructure. - High-Capacity Extraction and Cleaning
Once descaled, the system was flushed using a combination tanker unit. The unit’s suction and jetting capabilities allowed for thorough debris extraction, preventing downstream re-blockage and ensuring immediate performance improvement. - Structural Joint Repair
To address the displaced joint, we installed a resin-impregnated patch liner. This created a watertight seal, eliminating the snagging point, stabilising the connection, and preventing future ingress or pipe movement.
Outcome and Long-Term Benefits
All remedial works were completed successfully, restoring the drainage system to its designed performance. Flow capacity improved measurably, mitigating the risk of flooding and operational disruption.
To further protect the rail line, we established a proactive maintenance regime to be performed every three years. This approach recognises the age of the drainage network and the high mineral content of the surrounding groundwater:
- Early identification of scale buildup
- Reduced emergency maintenance costs
- Extended lifespan of existing drainage assets
- Improved operational reliability for the rail corridor
Our intervention not only resolved the immediate issue but also delivered a sustainable strategy to preserve long-term drainage integrity for one of the UK’s critical transportation routes.
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