ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0007-4301-9456

Graduation Semester and Year

Summer 2025

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

Department

Civil Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Mohammad Najafi

Second Advisor

Dr. Vinayak Kaushal

Third Advisor

Dr. Edmund Prater

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Kyeong Rok Ryu

Abstract

The Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) method is a widely implemented trenchless technology for the rehabilitation of deteriorated pipelines, offering benefits such as cost-effectiveness and reduced surface disruption. However, the CIPP installation process, particularly during curing, raises concerns over the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can adversely impact worker safety, public health, and environmental standards. This dissertation aims to address these concerns by evaluating VOC emissions during CIPP installations and developing a predictive model to guide emission management practices.

A comprehensive field study was conducted, collecting air samples from 15 pipeline rehabilitation sites that utilized different site-specific conditions using non-Styrene resin type, and hot water curing method. Air sampling methodologies included the use of Photoionization Detectors (PID), summa canisters, TO-15 passive sorbent tubes, and Method 13 cartridges. The analysis detected over 67 VOCs, including styrene, cumene, and acetophenone, offering a detailed emission profile across various installation phases. This dissertation systematically analyzed the concentration of VOCs across three distinct phases: baseline, during lining, and during curing. Statistical evaluations using SPSS revealed significant variations in VOC concentrations, with the curing phase showing the highest levels, as confirmed by non-parametric tests. Factors such as pipe length, temperature, wind speed, and humidity were identified as significant predictors of VOC concentrations, with regression models explaining up to 96% of variance in some phases. Additionally, differences in measurement methods, including Canister, PID, and worker samples, highlighted method-specific influences on VOC detection. These findings underscore the critical role of environmental and operational variables in VOC emission patterns and provide actionable insights for mitigating environmental and health impacts during such processes.

This dissertation emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate resins, employing advanced air monitoring techniques, and adopting stringent safety protocols to minimize health risks and environmental impacts. The proposed predictive model offers utility for contractors and regulatory agencies in planning and optimizing CIPP installations. Future work will focus on validating the model across diverse site conditions and expanding the scope to include additional resins and emerging curing technologies.

Keywords

Cured-in-Place Pipe, CIPP, Emissions, Volatile Organic Compounds, Trenchless Technology, Environmental Impact Assessment, Pipeline Renewal, Styrene, Baseline, Lining, Curing

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering | Construction Engineering and Management | Engineering

Comments

NA

Available for download on Friday, February 13, 2026

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