The American Lane culverts in Schaumburg, IL—comprising 1,500 feet of dual 96-inch corrugated metal pipes (CMPs) installed in the 1970s—had deteriorated significantly due to corrosion and deformation, raising concerns about their structural integrity and remaining service life.

The culverts serve a vital role in draining a 2.4-square-mile area within the West Branch of the Salt Creek watershed, supporting stormwater management for a key commercial corridor and the Woodfield Lakes Business Park.

As part of a broader infrastructure initiative, the upstream portion of the drainage system was scheduled for reconstruction under a federally funded roadway project. However, the downstream segment and outfall required local funding, prompting the Village of Schaumburg to evaluate its options.

Faced with the choice between full replacement and rehabilitation, the village opted for a more cost-effective and minimally disruptive solution: lining the existing culverts with a sprayed-in-place geopolymer cementitious material. This approach not only delivered substantial cost savings but also avoided the need for environmental permitting due to its small construction footprint—ultimately helping to keep the project on schedule.

The presentation will discuss the various options considered and the structural rehabilitation these culverts eventually received.