When it comes to deploying traditional methods in the construction and rehabilitation of Underground utility networks in a CBD, a lot of disruption happens at the surface. Pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and even the workers have to face disturbance both in terms of convenience and safety.

Moreover, the conventional approach used often results in damage to underground assets. In the past, many excavators had to face hefty financial liability and dangerous outcomes. In 2013, more than 335 thousand utilities were damaged during construction and demolition works as per reports. Anecdotal evidence has also proved that in spite of education and other guidance given to the personnel, there are still damages happening.

So, what can be done to mitigate the adverse consequences? What are the disadvantages of traditional underground construction methods? Answering these questions is the aim of the context given ahead!

Disadvantages Of Traditional Underground Service

The traditional approach to constructing and maintaining Underground Utility infrastructure involves excavating deep inside the earth, making open cut trenches. This can result in the following:

Disruption of traffic –

Causes hindrance, accidents and the additional cost of providing diversions and their maintenance.

Environment pollution –

The machines cause dust, air, water, and noise pollution which ultimately affects the public. It creates difficulty in site clean up and also causes soil movement problem.

Effect on society –

Results in repair and rehabilitation of the roads which increases the expense. It can also cause damages that demand compensation.

Puts workers safety at risk –

Apart from the public, the workers appointed for the specific work like mining are under potential risk of getting injured.

Advent Of Trenchless Technology

Trenchless technology has brought an innovative way to install and rehabilitate underground utility infrastructures such as water, sewer and gas pipelines, electricity, and communication cables – the growing demand for rapidly advancing metropolitan cities. The technique reduces or excludes the need for excavation of the open cut trenches. Hence, it is also known as a ‘No Dig’ technology that offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and safe approach to the underground construction industry. If Trenchless Technology is deployed for underground services, it can benefit everyone including contractors, consultants, environmentalists, and other concerned authorities. Use of trenchless technology can substantially reduce the adverse impact (as discussed above) caused by traditional methods. It can significantly cut the additional costs and make the method of installation much easier. This is in fact most suitable for locations that are unreachable by conventional open cut methods including environmentally sensitive location, high-traffic roads, highways, railways, and crossing of buildings.

With the competitive advantages and increased benefits in terms of economic, social, and cultural aspects, trenchless technology is increasingly being embraced not just in developed countries but even the developing ones.

What Else Can Prevent The Damages?

Although new and advanced technology is available today to cut down on unwanted costs and damages, proper planning and step by step strategic progress can potentially avoid the damage to underground services.
Here are some suggestions that can help in making underground rehabilitation more effective:

1. Inspect the places above the surface

When there are pipes and lines laid underground, there are mostly potential signs of problems visible on the surface. So, before beginning the work at the site, look for electrical utilities, meters, light poles, splice or transformer boxes. For example, water lines can be detected by locating fire hydrants, connections on buildings or manhole covers.

2. Adopt the right way for excavation

It is very important to adopt the right technique of excavation to ensure safety at the surface and subsurface. However, this relies on the environment and layout of the underground utility network. For instance, in some situations, it becomes necessary to use hand tools as opposed to heavy machinery.

3. Have an emergency planning

It is not wise to underestimate the safety of working staff when proper planning and technique is incorporated. So, it is vital to have an emergency plan just in case a line is cut. This may happen when an underground utility is not marked ahead of time. For example, if a utility line is encountered but not damaged, one can contact the concerned utility company. And in case it is cut, the highest priority should be the safety of the workers.

Make Underground Operations More Effective With ProjectLink Products

1. STAKKAbox Fortress is a range of modular and structural performed cable pits that serve for application in major industry sectors such as Telecommunications, Rail, Road, Water, Energy, and Power. This product intends at making installation at the construction site easy and flexible. The cable pits can be installed from excavation for restoration purpose in less than one hour with no requirements of special equipment and increased costs. Additionally, it provides reasonable and enhanced build quality and site safety performance.

As far as the design of the cable pits is concerned, it is manufactured to required depth by adding 150mm sections. It is designed in such a way that sections can be lifted individually- thanks to its lightweight. Moreover, each section comprises vertical and horizontal ribs that enhance the loading performance. For flexibility, the cable pits can be adapted to suit the on-site conditions like introducing duct entries into the cable openings.

2. STAKKAbox ULTIMA Hybrid is another product from Cubic Systems that comes with features including the ease of installation, flexibility, and low cost. Ultima Hybrid is a precast beam that provides amplified Class D strength capabilities without any compromise on features.

The product has been designed to enable locking of the interconnecting sections in one place easily. It has been robustly engineered to withstand even the harshest installation environments. Hence, the large beams are highly suitable for high-demand infrastructure applications with quick installation solution.

While talking about its benefits, the product is lightweight and can be lifted by one person easily. Because the installation can be completed within hours, it mitigates the risks related to public safety. Furthermore, it can easily be transported to the site as it resembles the modular structure the Ultima. The Ultima Hybrid has been deployed for various high-profile underground infrastructure projects in major cities of Australia.

3. If you are looking out for a modern alternative to a second-hand hammer, Hydraulic Rockbreaker can serve the purpose effectively. Manufactured in South Korea, the product provides a powerful way to meet the excavation requirements. It is a simple yet impactful solution to ease excavation operations at a reasonable price. As the Rockbreaker is designed with minimal moving parts, the maintenance of the product becomes even better. Hydraulic Rockbreaker is available in all sizes from 0.8t – 45t for different excavation operations. It serves as a beneficial product for the modern day excavators who have to face different kinds of challenges while working in a busy urban environment.

Apart from the Rockbreaker offered by RFG Sales & Spares PTY LTD, there is a wide range of spare parts like chisels, retainers, tie-rods, pistons, and bushes available for underground services. You can also get a full-service workshop for any kind of repairs and services required. All the products and services are available throughout Australia.

Since the 19th century, cities have developed simultaneously below and above the surface. Underground utility services have been improving and facilitating our lives since decades. Hence, to sustain the advantages we receive from underground and make it more tangible for future generations, it is crucial to focus on improved methods to constructions and rehabilitation below the cities. To fulfill this vision, go ahead and embrace an innovative method from the list of products on ProjectLink.

The post Underground Services – A Matter Of Safety And Efficiency appeared first on ProjectLink.