Extending service life and upgrading the piping system of a University of Pennsylvania building in record time demanded tight collaboration, strategic innovation, and swift execution.
By: Thomas Nestoras, Progressive Pipeline Management (PPM)
Publication: NASTT - Fall 2024
PROJECT: Renewal of Roof Drains, Sewer Lines, Rainwater Stacks
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
CLIENT: University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
CONTRACTORS: Progressive Pipeline Management (PPM) and INTECH Construction
METHODS: Brushed-in-Place Lining (BIPP) and UV Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP)
DATES: MAY-JULY 2024
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In May 2024, a collaborative effort commenced between Progressive Pipeline Management, experts in infrastructure renewal, and INTECH Construction, the University of Pennsylvania's General Contractor. The project involved the comprehensive renovation of the piping system in a seven-story residence building on Penn’s historic campus. PPM was responsible for camera inspecting, cleaning, and rehabilitating 18 vertical roof drains and 8 horizontal sewer lines using advanced Brush-In-Place Pipe (BIPP) and Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technologies. INTECH managed the overall project, coordinating with the university, architects, and on-site contractors.
Throughout the project, anticipated and unexpected challenges arose, including debris blockages, brittle pipes, and missing sections of pipe. The project had to be completed within a strict two-month window during the summer break while the building was vacant. To meet this deadline, the team utilized both traditional and innovative solutions with swift execution. INTECH’s Project Manager, Kenji Matthew, facilitated continuous communication, leading weekly progress meetings to address unexpected issues and implement timely solutions. Thanks to the collaboration between INTECH’s contractors and crews, the project was completed on schedule; the university could do their final preparations for the return of students.
Alex Olson, PPM’s Project Lead, reflected on the collaboration: “PPM could not have completed this extensive project without the team coordination and support from INTECH. They allowed us to do our best work and maintain momentum.”
Brushed-in-Place Lining of Roof Drains
Brush-In-Place Pipe (BIPP) Recommendation
The initial plan called for the use of BIPP coating, a non-invasive method for rehabilitating small-diameter pipes. This process uses a two-part epoxy coating to restore pipe integrity, extending service life by up to 50 years. PPM recommended BIPP due to its cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption to the historic building's infrastructure. The alternative—full pipe replacement—would have required extensive demolition, including breaking through walls on every floor and excavating both concrete and hardwood flooring on the first level. This traditional approach would have been significantly more costly, highly disruptive, and nearly impossible to complete within the limited summer timeframe.
At the project’s kickoff, Kenji set a collaborative tone: "We know the pipes are corroded. We don’t know fully what we're dealing with until PPM gets their cameras inside the pipes. When issues come up, we will meet, come up with a strategy and agree on how to keep everyone moving forward.”
““Many of the pipes had cracks or leaks, sometimes spanning multiple floors. When we identified a leak, INTECH had a carpenter on-site to open the walls, and a plumber to replace the damaged section immediately.”
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About PPM: Progressive Pipeline Management is a full service contractor and team of highly skilled infrastructure renewal specialists. For over twenty two years, PPM has been improving the safety and longevity of pipeline infrastructure. They hold the exclusive licensee in North America for the Starline® Cured-in-place-lining. PPM’s specialized expertise includes gas pipeline rehabilitation, restoration of damaged or leaking infrastructure, PIPES ACT 2020 compliance and trenchless technology.
