Trenchless Pipeline Structural Renewal in the South of France

Working underground in a pipeline on the southern coast of France presented challenges both below and above ground. While the foreign setting was not immediately apparent underground, challenges such as language barriers and tight construction windows were crucial to the project's success. The team's goal was to renew over 1,750 linear ft of 82-in. reinforced concrete pipe using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), a trenchless renewal system, to support the transition of an oil-fired facility to a natural gas power plant. The project team included Électricité de France (EDF), Etandex as the General Contractor, and Structural Preservation Systems (STRUCTURAL), the subcontractor who handled the CFRP installation. The renewal system was designed by Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH). Despite language barriers, supply chain issues, and cultural differences, effective communication and strategic problem-solving ensured the project's success. The team overcame these hurdles, including obtaining necessary certifications and navigating local regulations, to complete the project as planned. This paper discusses the strategies that led to success.