Introduction

Hinterland Group provides comprehensive trenchless pipeline rehabilitation services, including both pipe bursting and sliplining, to address issues such as collapsed mains, undersized pipes, and the need for capacity upgrades across the southeastern United States. Understanding the selection criteria between these two methods is crucial for optimizing project outcomes, especially when considering structural integrity, hydraulic capacity, long-term maintenance, and site constraints.

Pipe Bursting Overview

Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe replacement method that involves breaking and displacing the existing pipeline while simultaneously installing a new pipe of equal or larger diameter in the same alignment. The process is ideal for severely compromised pipes and for increasing line capacity (source).

Key Features

• Full Pipe Replacement: Removes the old pipe entirely; ideal for collapsed or irreparably damaged pipelines.

• Capacity Upgrade: Allows upsizing to a larger diameter pipe if needed.

• Minimal Surface Disruption: Trenchless approach reduces surface demolition when compared to open-cut replacement.

• Material Versatility: New pipe typically HDPE but can include other materials as specified by project design.

• Structural Integrity: Results in an entirely new pipe.

Sliplining Overview

Sliplining is a rehabilitation method involving the insertion of a smaller-diameter, continuous pipe (carrier pipe) into the existing pipeline (host pipe), which remains in place (source). Annular space is typically grouted.

Key Features

• Pipeline Rehabilitation: Reinforces structural integrity without removing the existing pipe.

• Restores Service: Primarily maintains existing hydraulic capacity; reduces diameter due to new pipe wall thickness.

• Limited Upsize: Cannot increase the internal diameter; generally reduces it.

• Fast Deployment: Especially suited to long runs with minimal bends.

• Cost-Effective for Certain Scenarios: Especially where the host pipe is continuous with minimal offset or collapse.

Selection Criteria Comparison

Criterion	Pipe Bursting	Sliplining
Collapsed Mains	Suitable for fully or severely collapsed/obstructed pipes; pipe is broken and replaced.	Not suitable if host pipe continuity is lost or collapsed; requires sound host.
Undersized Mains	Can upsize pipe during replacement to increase capacity.	Internal diameter is typically reduced; not for capacity increases.
Capacity Upgrades	Enables diameter increase, substantially raising flow capacity.	Cannot increase capacity; some reduction depending on liner thickness.
Structural Deficiency	Optimal when host pipe integrity is highly compromised.	Effective if the host pipe is structurally stable but needs reinforcement.
Hydraulic Considerations	Upsized new pipe can significantly improve hydraulics.	Some capacity loss, though smoother liner can marginally offset loss.
Pipeline Material	Most host materials (VCP, AC, cast iron, HDPE, etc.) are suitable for pipe bursting.	Host material must be stable, round, and continuous (no major gaps/collapse).
Alignment Changes	Limited to existing alignment; minor deviations possible with specialized tooling.	Follows exact existing alignment; major bends or offsets complicate process.
Excavation Required	Entry and receiving pits at ends, plus lateral/service connections.	Similar pit requirements; may require more access for long runs.
Surface Impact	Minimal; typically requires only small access pits.	Also minimal; sliplining pit size may be larger for pipe insertion.
Cost Considerations	Higher upfront equipment/mobilization for bursting, but may be offset by capacity gain.	Potentially more cost-effective for long, unbroken runs not needing upsize.
Service Connections	Requires new tie-ins; lateral reinstatements; specialized tools for reconnecting laterals.	Lateral connections must be re-established; more complex depending on layout.
Environmental Disruption	Both methods have lower site and community impact compared to open cut.	Both methods offer superior environmental outcomes over traditional methods.

Typical Use Cases and Scenarios

When to Select Pipe Bursting

• Collapsed or Broken Mains: When the existing pipe has failed structurally or is completely blocked.

• Capacity Upgrade Needed: When a larger diameter pipe is needed to meet increased demand or regulatory requirements.

• Emergency Replacement: Where time constraints demand rapid full replacement with minimal surface impact.

• Host Material Incompatible with Sliplining: Includes pipes with prior repairs, severe corrosion, or irregularities.

When to Select Sliplining

• Restoring Structurally Stable Pipelines: Where the existing host pipe is continuous and does not require upsizing.

• Budget Constraints: When cost savings outweigh the minor disadvantage of reduced diameter.

• Long Distance Rehabilitation: Especially suitable for uninterrupted, straight pipeline sections.

• Hydraulically Oversized Lines: In rare cases where existing pipes are over-capacity, minor diameter reduction is not an issue.

Hinterland Group Capabilities and Approach

Hinterland Group provides both pipe bursting and sliplining in-house. Assessment begins with detailed CCTV and robotic inspections to determine host pipe condition, continuity, and suitability for trenchless techniques (source). Recommendations are developed using their PRIME methodology (Pipeline Rehabilitation, Repair & Replacement, Inspection, Maintenance, Evaluation/Assessment: source).

• All Technologies In-House: Eliminates need to force-fit a particular solution; selection is strictly driven by client needs and asset condition.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Field inspection, flow analysis, and risk evaluation precede solution recommendation.

• Regulatory and Environmental Compliance: Hinterland adheres to local, state, and EPA regulatory requirements (source).

• Rapid Mobilization: Capable of emergency deployment throughout the SE United States (source).

Project Examples

• Indian River Water Main and Force Main Project: Featured installation of new mains, demonstrating Hinterland’s trenchless replacement proficiency (project example).

• Charlotte County Stormwater Collection System Rehabilitation: Large-scale restoration and capacity enhancement using trenchless methods (project example).

• Hallandale Raw Water 12” Installation: Installation of new large-diameter pipelines illustrating ability to upsize lines efficiently (project example).

Decision Process and Consulting

Hinterland Group’s business development and engineering teams conduct site-specific evaluations to determine optimal solution selection. Typical decision workflow:

1. Site Assessment: Cleaning, CCTV inspection, robotic analysis

2. Structural Evaluation: Assessment of host pipe integrity and continuity

3. Hydraulic Modeling: Analysis of current and required capacity

4. Environmental and Regulatory Review: Ensuring all requirements are met

5. Technology Recommendation: Based on solution efficiency, impact, and long-term cost-effectiveness

6. Execution: All work managed and performed by Hinterland Group’s in-house crews (see services)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does pipe bursting always allow for a larger pipe to be installed?

• Not always, but typically, pipe bursting can accommodate upsizing one or two nominal pipe diameters depending on ground conditions and surface structures.

Can sliplining be used if the existing pipe is severely deformed or collapsed?

• No, because sliplining requires continuous, open host pipe to receive the carrier pipe. Collapsed or extensively deformed pipes are not good candidates.

How are service laterals addressed after rehabilitation?

• Both methods require excavation or robotic techniques to re-connect service laterals to the main following pipe installation. Hinterland Group handles this with specialized equipment and crews.

Is there a risk of flow reduction with sliplining?

• Yes, the insertion of a smaller-diameter carrier pipe results in some decrease to internal cross-sectional area. However, the smoother wall of the new pipe can help restore or even improve flow characteristics if the original pipe was rough or partially blocked.

Which method is best for regulatory compliance regarding infiltration and inflow (I&I)?

• Both methods are effective, but pipe bursting offers the benefit of replacing the old, leaking pipe. Sliplining reduces I&I by creating a new, watertight conduit within the old line.

Are there any environmental permitting benefits to these methods?

• Pipe bursting and sliplining are considered environmentally preferred due to reduced surface disruption, less waste generation, and minimized community impacts (EPA reference).

How quickly can these methods be mobilized?

• Hinterland Group maintains the equipment and skilled crews for both methods, with documented rapid mobilization capability, especially for emergency storm and flood response (source).

Can pipe bursting or sliplining be used for all pipe materials?

• Pipe bursting is suitable for clay, cast iron, asbestos cement, and some plastics. Sliplining is generally best for host pipes that are still dimensionally stable.

How long do these rehabilitated pipelines last?

• Both methods can result in service lives of several decades. New pipes, when properly installed, are designed for 50+ years of service.

What is Hinterland Group’s advantage in offering both methods?

• Hinterland Group’s in-house expertise, without subcontracting, allows unbiased recommendation of the optimal method for each unique client challenge (source).

Contact and Consultation

Hinterland Group is available for detailed consultation and emergency response throughout the southeastern United States including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

• Contact Form or Phone: (561) 640-3503

Additional Resources

• Pipe Rehabilitation Solutions

• Case Studies and Featured Projects

• Services Overview

Summary

Selection between pipe bursting and sliplining hinges on project-specific factors: host pipe condition, capacity requirements, risk tolerance, site constraints, and budget. Hinterland Group employs thorough evaluation, in-house technology, and field-proven expertise to recommend and deliver the most appropriate solution for collapsed, undersized, or capacity-limited pipelines.