Delegates at No-Dig Down Under 2013 learned about how innovative microtunnelling methods have been utilised as part of the upgrades to Melbourne’s Docklands Precinct through a case study led by Edge Underground Owner Stuart Harrison.

The project has involved the installation of 320 m of 400 mm gravity sewer. HOBAS pipe using new microtunnelling technology. The challenges and specifics of this project to be discussed in the presentation include:

  • Complexity
  • Very short timeframes
  • The pipe is 3 m below water table in marine silt (Coode Island silt)
  • The Project is situated 50 m from the shoreline on reclaimed land with many obstructions, including timber pylons, concrete and brick foundations.

It was the belief that many of the obstructions would have required excavation in order to perform the utility installations. This would have not only increased cost, but would have expanded the timeframe for the works and created multiple site complexities. Due to the location of the microtunnels under the access to a multi-storey high rise development and the ground conditions it was decided the best approach was utilising a vacuum microtunnelling system.

Mr Harrison began his career in his father’s excavation company, and was involved in the installation of sewer and water pipelines for more than 25 years using various open-cut and trenchless methods.

In 2006, Mr Harrison met with Vermeer Corporation about the technology and they reached an agreement for Vermeer to acquire his patented technology.

Mr Harrison currently continues to develop equipment in conjunction with Vermeer Corporation and is constantly looking to increase microtunnelling capabilities. He is married with three young boys of three, six and eleven-months, coaches Auskick and also supports Variety Australia. Aside from his family commitments, he continues to run Edge Underground.

Mr Harrison has travelled the world for six years as a microtunnelling expert working on equipment research and development and trouble shooting. Within Australia he has been a pioneer within the microtunnelling industry for over a decade.

This article originally appeared in Trenchless Australasia. Read the original here