Microtunnelling is still a relatively new method of pipeline installation compared to open cut methods, so there is a lot of scope for individuals and companies to push the boundaries of what is possible and achievable. Edge Underground is one such company at the forefront of innovation in the industry, with its employees using their experience and knowledge gained over the years to shape the future of the industry and take on any job no matter how challenging.
Building machines and practices of the future
Stuart Harrision, Managing Director at Edge Underground, is well-known in the industry as a pioneer of innovation and the inventor of the AXIS laser guided boring system.
“When I first developed the AXIS in the early 2000s, it was because there was a gap in the industry for equipment that could provide high efficiency, productivity and pinpoint precision. There were machines that offered one or two of these, but not all three,” Mr Harrison said.
“The AXIS is a versatile, pit-launched, laser guided machine that can install pipelines on-grade and with pinpoint accuracy to within +/-5mm. I designed it so that the head and cutter style or configuration can be swapped out to deal with changing ground conditions, making it the most versatile machine on the market.”
Since developing the AXIS, Mr Harrison has continued to push the boundaries of what it is capable of, and encourages his team to find ways to improve practices, products and design to make microtunnelling a competitive alternative to open cut.
“When we’re on jobs, we look at the design and think, if we just change a few things, we could do all this job trenchless – we could do this all with microtunnelling. It’d not only be more cost-effective; it would also certainly cut the project length in half. Not to mention all the other benefits of reduced disruption to businesses, the community and the environment.”
Setting benchmarks and taking on the toughest jobs
This mindset has allowed Edge Underground to set benchmarks for the industry and take on some of the most challenging pipeline installations that no one else is able to or wants to risk doing.
In mid-2019, the company set a new benchmark for pipeline installation when it was subcontracted to install a range of different pipe diameters on-grade for a sewer.
The first part of the project involved installing about 180m of pipe, comprising five separate lines of pipe: three 610mm bores and two 510mm bores.
Edge Underground used a sewer max pipe – a pipe type that is not known for being used when pipe jacking. However, as the ground was very stable, the team knew it would be able to install it without any structural damage, and save the project a lot of money.
As Edge Underground had worked with the contractor previously, the contractor was able to prepare the site in advance, allowing the works to be completed in six days.
“It’s something that I don’t think anyone considered was possible at the time we started. However, some of the unique aspects of the way we do our work with the AXIS system gives us an opportunity to create some significant cost savings. That’s exactly what we did here,” Mr Harrison said.
In another project, Edge Underground was called in to complete a high risk project no other contractor wanted to take on. The problem was the pipeline needed to be installed 12-14m deep and there was a high chance of wedging occurring due to ground conditions – a combination of extreme hard rock with seams of clay and fractures.
Using the AXIS’ unique retract feature, the team completed a pilot line to inspect and confirm ground conditions in order to configure the reaming tool to best suit conditions for pipe jacking. This feature also eliminates the time and costs associated with digging a 911 shaft to retrieve the drill head if conditions do change.
Armed with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledge of the exact ground conditions, Edge Underground was able to successfully complete the project.
“We look at every job as being achievable; it’s just a matter of finding a way and a means by which you go about achieving that job, that outcome,” Mr Harrison said.
Building a dedicated and passionate team
Mr Harrison said one of the company’s biggest assets is its people, and always encourages everyone to put forward ideas of how equipment and practices can be improved.
“The team is always looking for ways to improve things. Even if there is not a problem, we look at it and ask ourselves if we can do it better,” Mr Harrison said.
“Most of our guys will wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, that’s how much they enjoy the work and want to keep improving it.”
Mr Harrison said the company is always looking for people to work with them who want to be challenged, learn and contribute to the development of the industry.
“Whether it is a subcontractor offering specialised services, a potential partner through out custom partnering solutions, or an individual looking to join our dedicated and resilient team – we’re always on the lookout to for people to join our team that want to be challenged, to use their experience and ideas to push the boundaries of what microtunnelling can offer and find alternate solutions that benefit our clients.
“At the end of the day, there is still a lot of scope for evolution in the microtunnelling industry, and it’s great to work with a team of passionate and dedicated professionals who are up for pushing the boundaries of our industry. Not only Edge Underground, but the entire industry benefits from the confidence that comes from improved equipment and practices, and reduced job site risk.”