News Article Archive - Page 7 of 19

48 hour railway crossing – can it be done?

Installing a sewer line under a railway is no simple task at the best of times. What if you had just two days to complete it? Edge Underground found itself in such a position when the Gold Coast City Council asked for a gravity sewer line to be installed via trenchless technology along the Old Pacific Highway in Pimpama, with a section of the sewer line needing to be installed beneath a section of the Queensland Railway. There was one major condition with the project: the railway had to be reopened within 48 hours, ‘no ifs, no buts’. Steve Mitchell,...

Microtunnelling and HDD – what’s the difference?

All too often, project managers will choose a pipeline installation method simply because they’ve used it more often in the past or it’s cheaper, when in reality a different approach could be far better suited for the job. Both microtunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are trenchless boring methods of pipeline installation, however, there are a few key differences that can help determine which method is best for your project. Microtunnelling is a pit-launched technique with extreme accuracy and low risk, but it has a high upfront cost. One the other hand, HDD is surface launched, making it cheaper than...

What are the main benefits of using a laser guided tunnel boring machine over other microtunnelling machines?

Stuart Harrison caused a stir in the microtunnelling industry when the Vermeer AXIS laser guided boring system was officially launched in 2009. Since then, laser-guided machinery has been used to install hundreds of thousands of metres of sewer and water pipelines around the world, and has changed the game for pipeline projects in Australia. So what makes laser guided microtunnelling a standout in the crowded field of trenchless pipeline installation methods? Apart from the science fiction appeal, laser guided systems offer a number of real advantages that all serious pipeline project managers should be aware of. Accuracy Precision is always...

How can contractors mitigate risk on trenchless pipeline projects?

Time and cost are among the top driving factors of trenchless pipeline installations; they are also among the first to be blown out if something goes wrong during an installation. This is why risk mitigation is extremely important. By managing the risks that could cause a problem to a project, a contractor will have a higher chance of avoiding any problems, or being able to deal with them quickly and efficiently, so that the project remains on time and on budget. So what can contractors do to mitigate risks, and what should project managers look for in a contractor? What...

Mitigating the challenges of installing pipeline under railways

Installing a pipeline under a railway poses a number of challenges to contractors, and if any problems are encountered, the project could experience lengthy delays and extra costs. Here, microtunnelling expert Stuart Harrison looks at some of the key challenges and how these can be mitigated by selecting a microtunnelling contractor with the right equipment. Changing ground conditions Understanding the prevailing ground conditions is key to achieving a successful microtunnelling installation, as this will determine the tooling used and help the contractor plan. “The more that the contractor knows about the ground conditions at and around the site, the less...

Efficient spoil management on microtunnelling sites

Spoil management is an important consideration on any trenchless pipeline installation to ensure environmental regulations are met through proper disposal and site personnel are kept safe through site maintenance. Microtunnelling provides an efficient and cost-effective spoil management solution. Microtunnelling machines that utilise vacuum excavation offer a number of advantages over traditional open cut pipeline installation, as well as over other trenchless installation methods, including improved personal safety, efficiency and environmental outcomes, and cost savings. The benefits of maintaining a clean pit Stuart Harrison, Managing Director at Edge Underground, said machines such as the Vermeer AXIS laser guided boring system utilise...

Edge Underground is an experience microtunnelling contractor

Why should you choose a mobile microtunnelling contractor?

When you’re selecting a microtunnelling contractor to complete your project, taking into consideration their mobility is a crucial factor in ensuring you have a higher chance for a successful outcome within time and budget constraints. If your chosen contractor cannot reach the jobsite within a short timeframe and arrive fully prepared with the correct equipment, they won’t be able to get the job done efficiently. Increased efficiency A mobile microtunnelling contractor can arrive at a jobsite — at any location — and bring with them a sufficient number of personnel and the correct equipment to carry out works. This affects...