Managing underground services in a trenchless installation project
Annual Conference
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Minimising the disruption to the public is one of the key fundamental benefits of trenchless Utility installation. However, if an underground service is struck then the consequences of this can far outweigh & overcome any potential “lack of disruption” benefits. Therefore successful management of underground utility services is paramount to achieving a successful trenchless installation project, from both the Contractor’s & Client’s perspectives.
This paper will discuss the best practices to be followed, as well as a risk management strategy, for both the Contractor & Principal with regard to the issue of locating & managing underground services. It will consider how both parties’ legal & contractual obligations can be met, investigate the latest technology available to assist in locating services and also discuss the unseen risks associated with drainage laterals.
Finally, it will “close the loop” by discussing the latest technology to as-built services installed by trenchless methods; as today’s new installation becomes tomorrow’s existing service that needs to be located & protected and therefore any methods that can be utilized today to make tomorrow easier should be considered.