Project Overview
A major infrastructure project in Queensland involved the installation of a new sewer pipeline beneath the Brisbane River. The pipeline was constructed from HDPE pipe sections and required precise handling during installation. To ensure the pipe remained secured on the riverbed, large precast concrete ballast blocks were clamped onto the HDPE pipe prior to submersion.
The ballast blocks were bolted tightly to the pipe while still on the barge, then lowered into position in a steep discharge process. As the pipe entered the cold river water, it contracted slightly due to thermal shrinkage, increasing the risk of movement or damage at the clamp points. To address these risks, Reglin supplied custom EPDM Rubber Clamp Pads to provide effective cushioning and grip between the HDPE pipe and the concrete ballast.
The Challenge
The project team needed to ensure the ballast blocks were fixed securely onto the HDPE pipe during both the barge discharge and underwater positioning. This required:
- Secure Clamping: The ballast blocks needed to be tightly bolted to the pipe to prevent slippage.
- Pipe Protection: HDPE is a soft, flexible material that is susceptible to damage under compression from rigid concrete components.
- Thermal Compensation: As the pipe cooled and shrank in the water, any reduction in diameter risked loosening the clamp.
- Long-Term Water Resistance: The materials used had to remain stable and functional while submerged long-term.
The Solution
Reglin supplied EPDM Rubber Clamp Pads to fit between the concrete ballast blocks and the HDPE pipe at each clamp point. These pads were precision cut from premium grade EPDM 65 Rubber Sheet to suit the pipe’s diameter and clamp geometry, providing an optimal interface.
Why premium EPDM Rubber Clamp Pads Were Ideal:
- Compression Flexibility: EPDM rubber compresses under bolt pressure, ensuring a firm grip without damaging the HDPE.
- Thermal Recovery: The compressed pads were able to expand slightly as the pipe diameter reduced in cold water, maintaining pressure and grip.
- High Friction Surface: The rubber pads provided enough surface friction to prevent the ballast blocks from sliding along the pipe.
- Excellent Water Resistance: Reglin Premium EPDM rubber is well known for its stability in wet and submerged environments, making it the ideal compound for long-term underwater exposure.
Outcome
The EPDM Rubber Clamp Pads ensured a safe and secure installation of the sewer pipe under the Brisbane River. The combination of compressive support, damage protection, and water resistance contributed to a successful project outcome with long-term structural stability.
Conclusion
Reglin’s EPDM 65 Rubber Sheet custom cut into Clamp Pads provided a custom-engineered solution to the unique installation challenges of this underwater sewer pipeline project. Its use helped secure the ballast blocks without compromising the pipe integrity — delivering both functional performance and long-term durability under these highly critical conditions.