Structural failure in urban sewer pipelines : a comprehensive review from analysis to intervention techniques

Abstract

Urban sewer pipelines are critical infrastructure, yet their structural failure poses significant risks to public safety, environmental health, and urban development. This review synthesizes research on structural failure in urban sewer pipelines from 2000 to 2024, addressing a gap in holistic understanding. Using a systematic literature review, the study constructs a multidimensional framework encompassing seven core dimensions of sewer pipe failure: factors, modes, detection methods, consequences, rehabilitation strategies, preventive measures, and intervention techniques. The review categorizes failure factors into direct (specific defects) and indirect (physical, environmental, and operational conditions). Simultaneously, it introduces methods for factors prioritization. Building upon this foundation, it proposes a novel classification of failure modes, distinguishing between threshold-induced homologous amplification and critical metamorphic transition failure. Furthermore, the study evaluates an array of failure detection techniques, ranging from manual inspections to cutting-edge technologies. It highlights their evolution, strengths, and limitations, while addressing the ongoing challenge of balancing efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. The consequences of sewer failure are subsequently examined across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching impacts. The review also analyzes rehabilitation strategies, contrasting trenchless technologies with conventional excavation methods, and explores preventive measures spanning from initial design to long-term maintenance protocols. Finally, it critically analyzes advanced intervention techniques, including condition assessment, prediction, and decision-making techniques, offering insights into the future of sewer pipeline management. This review contributes by providing an integrated framework for understanding sewer pipe structural failure, synthesizing diverse knowledge to inform prevention and management strategies. By identifying research gaps and proposing future directions, it lays the groundwork for advancing the field of urban sewer infrastructure management.