Pipe installation ploughs ahead

Underground Services Australia recently launched a system that is capable of installing pipes and cables, as well as sand bedding, padding and warning tape simultaneously.

This unique ploughing technology produces installation rates of up to 1,000 metres per hour, delivering a reduction in construction costs and time while delivering a quality product.

The plough method operates at its best in low density areas and is not suited to high density housing areas. Ideally, plough runs starting at one kilometre and above, provide optimal production results and cost effective solutions. The plough process is a quick way to install underground utilities, with installations of up to 10 km per day possible in ideal ground conditions.

Quick and clean operation

Rather than ripping, the boot of the ripper cuts the ground, placing the pipe and bedding materials into the ground in one clean operation. Automatic level and line control are provided by a GPS system.

The process means there is minimal disruption to the top soil, enabling the installation of the pipe or cable to proceed without the additional cost of grading off and regrading the top soil.

Additionally, the plough method negates the need for expensive treatment of acid sulphate soils when using conventional excavation methods because disturbance to the soil is minimal – it is placed back immediately after the cable is installed behind the plough in one continuous operation.

Safety first

Compared to the alternative open cut installation method, ploughing is a lot safer. Open trenches are avoided, meaning workers, the general public, and animals are all safe to cross the installation the minute the plough has passed through. Fewer workers are involved in the process, reducing the on-site activity and potential for various task conflicts.

On show at FutureGAS

Ploughing is now being recognised as an innovative solution for gas pipeline installations. Underground Services Australia is displaying this technology at its booth at the FutureGAS 2009 conference in Brisbane running
from 22-24 March.

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