PIPE BURSTING
As public works departments address the nation's aging water and sewer infrastructure, numerous projects illustrate the benefits of trenchless construction methods. A recent application for bursting was used to replace almost 2,000 linear feet of deteriorating concrete trunk sewer in Oregon. Twenty-inch high-density polyethylene pipe was used to replace 16- and 18-inch concrete trunk sewer pipe. The route of this section to be replaced ran from a busy interstate through one of a city's older residential neighborhood and even under a tennis court. The pipe bursting process involves winching a pneumatic powered bursting tool through an old section of pipe, breaking and cracking old pipe as it progresses. New pipe is pulled into place behind the tool, replacing the old section of pipe. A vital part of preparations was the construction of a 10-inch bypass line capable of accommodating flow of 1,700 gallons per minute while the new section was being installed.

For more information, contact Plastics Pipe Institute, 1801 K St., NW, Suite 600K, Washington, DC 20006-1301.