--- title: Building a Prioritized Force Main Assessment Program description: A systematic force main inspection and sewer condition assessment program for the maintenance of the City of Naperville's sanitary sewer network. image: https://www.rjn.com/hubfs/Social%20Media/2023/Effingham_Pipers_ForceMain.jpg --- [Home](https://www.rjn.com) [Experience](https://www.rjn.com/success-stories-old) # Building a Prioritized Force Main Assessment Program Force Main inspection using Pipers Pipers Discharge Manhole Retrieval Force Main Desktop Study and Data Collection 13 evaluations over four years $4.35 million recommended capital improvements 86 air pockets and one leak detected Since sanitary sewer force mains are under pressure to push wastewater flow, they typically run a higher risk of failure than their gravity sewer counterparts. Force mains usually require continuous pumping operation and have few access points, which makes typical inspection and maintenance technologies non-applicable. Consequently, force mains are often not included in regular assessment and maintenance programs. The City of Naperville chose a proactive route, instituting a force main inspection and preventative maintenance program with the assistance of RJN's investigation team. The multi-year force main inspection program evaluates conditions and supports O&M and repair planning initiatives. Our engineers performed a historical data review and desktop analysis; investigated the route and structural condition of the pipe; led the force main condition screening using a multi-sensor inspection technology, to identify air and gas pockets, measure debris, and record pressures, and changes in bulk wall thickness. With this data, RJN engineers were able to ascertain pipeline conditions and develop long- and short-term solutions for the maintenance and improvement of the City's force main network.  For more on the Pipers® inspection tool and its diagnostic capabilities, see the [INGU case study](https://ingu.com/naperville-force-main-assessment/).  ###### Acoustic data overlaid with force main elevation![AcousticProfileOverlay ForceMainElevation](https://www.rjn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20-%20Projects/Naperville/AcousticProfileOverlay%20ForceMainElevation.png?width=1004&height=490&name=AcousticProfileOverlay%20ForceMainElevation.png) ## Project Metrics - Diagnostics collected from multi-sensor [INGU Pipers®](https://ingu.com/force-main-inspections/) include acoustical data, leak detection, magnetic flux, and hydrostatic pressure analytics.  - Our engineers manage the 5-year force main inspection program on the City's behalf (4 force mains evaluated per year) to proactively assess and remediate threats to the system and evaluate rehabilitation, repair, and O&M options. - **RESULTS:** Through 2024, RJN identified 86 air pockets, and one leak across thirteen force mains. Two of the assessed force mains were not pressurized and were at risk of reduced capacity and hydrogen sulfide corrosion. Structural assessments revealed submerged air release valves on two force mains, with debris accumulation found in every force main, sometimes exceeding 35%. Overall, 29 high-risk and 115 medium-risk anomalies were identified. As a result, RJN recommended to the City that $4.35 million be allocated for trenchless rehabilitation, partial replacement, and cleaning maintenance. ### Project Leaders [![](https://www.rjn.com/hubfs/Website%20-%20RJN%20Experts/Mike%20Young%20288%20x%20288.jpg) ](https://www.rjn.com/expert-mike-young) ** [Mike Young](https://www.rjn.com/expert-mike-young)** Project Director [![](https://www.rjn.com/hubfs/Hulsebosch_Patrick.jpg) ](https://www.rjn.com/blog/executing-force-main-screening-level-assessments) ** [Patrick Hulsebosch](https://www.rjn.com/blog/executing-force-main-screening-level-assessments)** Project Manager ##### Services - Free-floating Pipers® force main inspection - Desktop performance data and as-built review - Field investigation of force main alignment, mapping grades, and structure integrity - Operational maintenance programming and preventative maintenance measure recommendations - Budgetary cost estimates and recommendations for rehabilitation, replacement, and cleaning ##### Client City of Naperville ##### Location Naperville, Illinois ##### Service Period 2022 — Ongoing --- ## Let’s Discuss Your Project Schedule Consultation ## Similar Success Stories [Utility Study Lays the Foundation for Downtown Renewal](https://www.rjn.com/case-study-glen-ellyn) 700+ assets mapped [Design of Aerial Crossing Near Power Plant Offers Unique Challenges](https://www.rjn.com/case-study-village-creek) 4,020 LF water main designed