What Does
Mechanical Spot Repair Mean?
Mechanical spot repair is a method of trenchless rehabilitation that repairs the insides of the pipe for fractures, cracks, breaks, collapsed pipe sections, infiltration, offset joints, etc. Instead of replacing the entire pipe, spot repair is carried out to restore the structural integrity of the pipe. This method can be carried out without interrupting the flow in the pipe. It can be used in sewage and potable water pipes of all diameters and can be done in a short period of time from a manhole.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Mechanical Spot Repair
Mechanical spot repair is carried out by using grouting sleeves, which comprises of a core of stainless steel which is surrounded by a foam gasket and a limiting strap. The limiting strap prevents the sleeve from expanding beyond the preset diameter. A polyurethane gasket impregnated with grout fills the space around the core. The repair area is cleaned of debris, and the sleeve is guided using a CCTV camera and positioned correctly over the damaged section. The air plug is inflated till the sleeve is locked into place and then withdrawn. The foaming grout continues to expand till it fills the annular space, and penetrates the cracks in the pipe. This method restores the original strength of the host pipe, and also be used before CIPP lining to seal off the damaged pipe.