During inspections of its sewer system, Sydney Water identified several manholes that required rehabilitation in Sydney Olympic Park, NSW. The existing concrete manholes had deteriorated due to gas attacks to the walls and base. Sydney Water engaged Interflow NSW to carry out the rehabilitation works.
Confronted with limited space and need for a durable replacement, Sydney Water selected the REHAU Awashaft DN1000 maintenance hole, and additional components such as Awadock connections.
Working with the local Reece Civil branch and REHAU, Interflow was supplied with a Sydney-Water compatible REHAU Awashaft DN1000 maintenance hole. Awashaft’s modular design suited the rehabilitation as the components could be configured to match the required depth, alignment and site conditions. These factors were particularly useful with the limited space on site where handling, storage and manoeuvrability were key.
Interflow Project Engineer Hitesh Chamarthy found Awashaft “easy to store based off the needs of each of our projects” as each segment was lightweight and easy to move and install.
Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene, REHAU Awashaft provided excellent resistance to chemical attacks, corrosion and root intrusion. Thus, making it well suited to replacing deteriorating concrete structures in a live sewer network.
Interflow appreciated the level of customised service that Reece and REHAU provided, such as training, product selection, technical questions and installation planning prior to on-site support.
“The REHAU team was extremely helpful through the whole process. Providing on site and over the phone technical support when our crews required it,” said Chamarthy.
Interflow found REHAU Awashaft to be “cost effective as installation was faster than traditional concrete manholes”.
“The modular system mitigated delays and costs from weather impacts, concrete delays and installation of reinforcement and formwork typically seen with concrete manholes,” said Chamarthy.
The completed installation highlighted how REHAU Awashaft could be used across Sydney Water sewer projects where site access, speed of installation, corrosion resistance and long-term performance are key.
“The product was highly customisable and easy to store based off the needs of each of our projects,” said Chamarthy.
“The modular segments could be mixed and matched to achieve the right heights and sewer alignment. Awashaft is lightweight, allowing the crew to easily move and install onsite and cost effective, as installation was faster than a traditional concrete manhole”.
REHAU Technical Sales Manager Brad Martin said the project is a strong example of Awashaft doing exactly what it was designed to do; provide a lightweight, modular and corrosion-resistant structure that can be efficiently installed in challenging conditions.
“It gives Sydney Water and its delivery partners a practical alternative to traditional concrete construction,” he said.
For more information, visit www.reece.com.au/trade/brands/rehau-awashaft
