The rehabilitation of aging asbestos cement (AC) pipelines remains a significant challenge for water utilities throughout North America due to the material’s brittle nature and the environmental risks associated with asbestos handling and disposal. This paper examines the utilization of the Primus Line® system, a Flexible Fabric Reinforced Pipe (FFRP) technology, as a trenchless solution for the structural renewal of AC pressure pipelines.
The Primus Line® system comprises a Kevlar®-reinforced liner installed within the host pipe with minimal excavation requirements. Its design enables independent structural capacity under internal pressure while maintaining flexibility and hydraulic efficiency. Recent North American projects demonstrate that FFRP technology provides a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional pipe replacement, offering reduced installation time, lower carbon footprint, and extended service life.
Furthermore, the paper discusses the development of the German technical guideline DP 62, initiated under the direction of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). DP 62 establishes a comprehensive testing and qualification framework for fabric-reinforced pressure pipe liners, including criteria for design verification, material performance, and long-term durability under operational loads. This standardization effort represents a pivotal advancement toward the formal recognition of FFRP systems within global rehabilitation standards, complementing ongoing efforts in North America to align ASTM and AWWA specifications with emerging composite liner technologies.
Collectively, the field implementation experience in North America and the regulatory development of DP 62 in Germany underscore the growing international validation of FFRP technology as a structurally independent and sustainable solution for the rehabilitation of AC pipelines and other aging pressure infrastructure.
