News Article Archive - Page 4 of 19

Vermeer AXIS laser guided boring systems

The future of microtunnelling

The microtunnelling industry has grown exponentially over the past decade, with advances in equipment and practices making it the ideal choice for pipeline installations where a high level of accuracy and minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment is required. As a relatively new construction technique, it has seen rapid development and growth over the years, and the next ten years are expected to see it evolve even more. Since it was first used over 50 years ago, microtunnelling has gone from achieving successful installations some of the time, to some machines being able to provide a consistently successful installation with...

What are the safety benefits of microtunnelling compared to other pipeline installation methods?

It goes without saying that safety is a key concern on any construction site, and lots of work goes into mitigating safety risks and ensuring workers get back home safely at the end of the day. However, not all construction methods are equal in terms of safety, with some methods and machines designed to be inherently safer than others, and this holds true for pipeline installations. Trenchless over open cut It is well known that construction sites where excavation works take place are considered highly dangerous due to the risk of sudden excavation failures which limit the abilities of workers...

Why should you consider mobility when selecting a microtunnnelling contractor?

When selecting a microtunnelling contractor, mobility is perhaps not one of the criteria that is top of mind; cost, timeframe for project delivery and safety are higher considerations, and rightly so. However, mobility can also impact these factors, increasing efficiency, productivity and ensuring the installation is completed to a high standard, so it is worth keeping it in mind when selecting a contractor. A mobile crew A key benefit of selecting a mobile contractor is their ability to arrive at the jobsite, no matter the location, in a short timeframe, and with the correct equipment – including spare parts and...

Putting safety first during pipeline installation planning

Consideration of safety issues is an integral part of the initial stage of the planning process for any construction project, and helps to shape the tendering process. For the pipeline installation sector, having the right equipment and using trenchless methods, among other aspects, can help address these safety issues and reduce the risk of not only an accident happening on-site, but also the risk of time and cost blowouts. Built for safety Equipment plays a key role in creating a safe worksite, as older machines will not have as many of the in-built safety mechanisms that newer equipment does. Stuart...

Why is it important to foster working relationships as a trenchless subcontractor?

Fostering a good working relationship with clients and suppliers is important for any business, with a number of benefits for everyone involved. But for us in the trenchless industry, fostering good working relationships can also help reduce the risk of time delays, cost overruns and quality defects. As a trenchless subcontractor, one of the key benefits we have found with having and maintaining good on-site work relationships is that together with the contractor, we can achieve better project outcomes. In one example, Edge Underground was able to set a new benchmark for the industry when we completed the first stage...

Building trust and achieving pipeline installation success with collaboration

When working on a project requiring the trenchless installation of pipelines, close collaboration between subcontractors, contractors and engineers can result in project efficiencies, cost savings and a better long-term final outcome. Here, Stuart Harrison, Managing Director at Edge Underground, discusses the benefits of close collaboration not only for the project, but also for the wider trenchless industry as a whole. According to Mr Harrison, while there are always site specific issues that cannot be predicted and will need to be addressed as they arise when undertaking a trenchless project, there are a number of predominant issues that tend to be...

What makes the AXIS laser guided microtunnelling system ideal for installing pipelines in urban areas with limited space?

Installing pipelines in urban areas presents a number of challenges, including above ground infrastructure which can limit the space available for equipment and materials. While executing these installations is the same as for open areas, selecting the right construction method and a contractor with equipment that has a modular set up – such as the AXIS laser guided microtunnelling system – will ensure site footprint is kept to a minimum, disturbance to the surrounding infrastructure and community is reduced, and there is less chance of problems arising. Selecting the method Traditional open cut methods of pipeline installation are inappropriate for...