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Hinterland Group Inc. Updated August 04, 2026

Design and QA/QC Standards for Trenchless Projects

Introduction

Hinterland Group Inc. adheres to strict Design and QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) standards to ensure the reliability, safety, and long-term performance of trenchless pipeline projects. These standards are shaped by key industry guidelines such as ASTM F1216 and are specialized for gravity and force main applications. Comprehensive material testing and clear acceptance criteria underpin every stage of project delivery, supporting our reputation as a premier provider in the southeastern United States (Hinterland Group).

Relevant Standards

ASTM F1216: Standard Practice for CIPP

  • Definition: ASTM F1216 is the industry-standard test method for installing Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) in gravity sewer systems using resin-impregnated tube inversion or pull-in and curing.

  • Application: It defines procedures for design, installation, material qualification, inspections, and acceptance of CIPP systems (ASTM F1216).

  • Hinterland Group uses ASTM F1216 as the backbone standard for gravity pipeline rehabilitation projects, integrating any additional project-specific owner or municipal requirements.

Key Provisions:

  • Design calculations for wall thickness and structural performance

  • Material specification for felt/fiber tubes and resins (including styrene content, where applicable)

  • Installation process control (e.g., inversion/pull-in, curing via hot water/steam/UV)

  • Field quality testing (sample collection, thickness measurement, physical property verification, video inspection)

  • Acceptance criteria for dimensional accuracy, liner strength, leak tightness, and chemical resistance

References:

  • ASTM International. “Standard Practice for Rehabilitation of Existing Pipelines and Conduits by the Inversion and Curing of a Resin-Impregnated Tube.” ASTM F1216-23 (Link)

  • NASSCO “CIPP Design Standardization” (Link)

Additional QA/QC and Testing Standards

  • ASTM D5813: Standard Specification for CIPP Materials

  • ASTM D2990: Creep testing for long-term performance

  • Municipal Owner Specs: Additional owner requirements are reviewed and incorporated on every project

Gravity vs. Force Main Considerations

Gravity Sewer Applications

  • Context: Gravity sewers function under open-channel flow, relying on consistent slope and atmospheric venting.

  • Design/QA Focus:

    • Structural liner performance for non-pressurized, partially-full flow

    • Leak tightness to mitigate infiltration/exfiltration

    • Corrosion resistance to gases (H₂S, ammonia) common in gravity systems

    • Acceptance via CCTV, mandrel testing, and sample testing as required

    • Generally governed directly by ASTM F1216

Force Main Applications

  • Context: Force mains convey wastewater under pressure, typically via pumping.

  • Design/QA Focus:

    • Elevated internal pressures necessitate higher-strength liners

    • Design often references AWWA (for pressurized pipelines) and must exceed the requirements in ASTM F1216, or incorporate ASTM F3183 guidance

    • Hydrostatic leak testing required post-installation

    • Resin system must have proven pressure performance and chemical resistance

    • Thickness calculations and proof testing are stricter due to operational stresses

    • Additional validation, e.g., coupon pressure burst testing

Comparison Table:

Feature Gravity Main Force Main
Typical Standard ASTM F1216 ASTM F1216 plus AWWA/ASTM F3183
Pressure Requirement None (open channel) Significant (pressurized flow)
Liner Thickness Based on non-pressure loads Increased for pressure rating
Testing CCTV, thickness, mandrel Hydrostatic, thickness, burst
Common Liner Materials Polyester, Vinyl Ester, Felts Vinyl Ester/Epoxy, Reinforced

Material Testing and Acceptance

QA/QC at Hinterland Group covers all facets of pipeline rehabilitation:

Pre-Installation

  • Material certification from supplier, per ASTM D5813 or project requirements

  • Review of Manufacturer’s Mill Reports

  • Resin batch testing: gel time, viscosity, cure characteristics

During Installation

  • Sample collection (field coupons) for every installation run (minimum per ASTM F1216 Table 1 requirements)

  • Process logging: cure temperatures, times, pressure control

  • Liner thickness measurement at the ends and where accessible

Post-Installation

  • Physical property testing (short-term flexural modulus and strength per ASTM D790)

  • Visual and CCTV inspection for wrinkles, gaps, resin blush, or other defects

  • Mandrel deflection testing (typically for gravity lines)

  • Leakage/hydrostatic testing (primarily required for force mains)

  • Final acceptance only after reviewing all test results and owner sign-off

Acceptance Criteria Examples:

  • Liner thickness: ±10% of specified

  • Flexural modulus/strength: ≥ 75% of specified minimums

  • Water tightness: No observed leakage

Features, Benefits, and Use Cases

Features

  • Use of globally recognized ASTM standards (F1216, D5813, D2990)

  • Enhanced material traceability for every CIPP project

  • High-strength, corrosion resistant linings for longevity

  • Project-specific design for gravity and force main applications

Benefits

  • Minimally invasive (trenchless) approach reduces disruption

  • Predictable, repeatable quality outcomes

  • Clear, objective acceptance metrics

  • Enhanced environmental protection through leak mitigation

Use Cases

  • Municipal or utility gravity main rehabilitation

  • Pressure sewer (force main) rehabilitation

  • Industrial pipeline restoration

  • Emergency infrastructure repairs demanding immediate performance validation

FAQs: Design and QA/QC for Trenchless Projects

What is ASTM F1216 and why is it important?

ASTM F1216 is the primary industry standard for Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation of gravity sewers. It sets forth the design, installation, quality control, and acceptance testing protocols to ensure long-term performance (ASTM F1216).

How does quality assurance differ between gravity and force mains?

Force mains operate under pressure and require stricter liner design, pressure-resistant resin systems, and additional hydrostatic testing. Gravity mains are governed by standard CIPP QA/QC checks, focusing on structural integrity and infiltration control.

What QA/QC steps are standard at Hinterland Group?

  • Pre-installation material vetting and certification

  • Field sampling and laboratory verification

  • Rigorous process and installation logging

  • Comprehensive post-installation inspection via CCTV, thickness tests, and, if required, pressure/leak testing

What happens if a liner fails a QA test?

Hinterland Group identifies the specific issue, consults with the owner or engineer, and implements industry-standard repair or replacement procedures before project acceptance.

Can you summarize the material acceptance process?

Material acceptance involves validation against both ASTM standards and project-specific specifications, covering pre-delivery supplier certification, field sampling, laboratory mechanical testing (thickness, strength), and final owner sign-off after inspection and testing.

Is Hintherland Group certified to apply these standards and perform QA/QC?

Yes, Hinterland's team is experienced with in-house delivery of all trenchless pipeline methods, including CIPP, and operates using best-in-class QA/QC protocols aligned to ASTM and municipal guidelines. For details: Hinterland Group QA/QC

Relevant Links

Further Reading

  • ASTM International. "Standard Practice for Rehabilitation of Existing Pipelines and Conduits by the Inversion and Curing of a Resin-Impregnated Tube," ASTM F1216-23 (Link)

Contact

For more information on our QA/QC protocols or to request a trenchless pipeline assessment, please contact: