When first launched in 2009, the Vermeer AXIS guided boring system was intended for use with pipe up to 300mm in diameter. Since then the product has continually evolved, and AXIS now regularly installs pipe in the 300-600mm range, and to date, the largest ever installation was of a 900mm pipeline.
When AXIS initially launched, a lot of people though it would only be suitable for use in self-supporting ground. However over the course of the last five years, it has repeatedly been proven that AXIS can be used in all variety of ground conditions, including below the water table.
Those sort of conditions would have once required an earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine – but Edge Underground has now developed an earth pressure balance head that runs on the AXIS machine so that it can be used in flowing water ground conditions.
“With the growth in the size of pipe that can be installed, combined with the variety of ground conditions it can handle, AXIS is becoming a one-stop shop for all manner of pipe installation jobs,” said Vermeer AXIS inventor Mr Harrison.
“It’s a versatile machine that handles virtually all conditions. Every job it’s put in front of – we get it done.”