Trenchless Pipe Installations By Paul Janke Ph D

Trenchless Pipe Installations By Paul Janke, Ph. D, PE Regional Hydrologist April 23, 2019

Trenchless Pipe Installations 2 • Pipe installation methods that use a traditional open-cut method require a road closure and/or a detour.

Trenchless Pipe Installations • A detour that takes a long time to traverse can add significant cost to the traveling public. 3

Trenchless Pipe Installations • Trenchless pipe installations: • Do not require a road closure. • Do not require a traffic detour. • Do not add time or cost to the traveling public. 4

Trenchless Pipe Installations In the lower 48 states, the average trenchless pipe installation cost is 20% to 30% less than a traditional open-cut method. 5

Trenchless Pipe Installations • In Central Region, contractors use an open cut pipe installation unless required to use another method. • Bid documents normally do not require a pipe installation method. 6

Trenchless Pipe Installations • After a contractor provides submittals that show a certain pipe installation method, an alternate method must be approved by DOT&PF and cost savings shared. These are value engineering requirements in the specifications. 7

Trenchless Pipe Installation 8 • It is recommended that Central Region require the pipe installation method that has the lowest total cost for the pipe installation and the traveling public.

Trenchless Pipe Installation 9 • If this strategy is adopted, the plans and/or specifications used for bidding and construction must require a pipe installation method.

Trenchless Pipe Installations 10 • There about 90 technologies for trenchless pipe installations. Some are new but others have been used for many years.

Trenchless Pipe Installations 11 • If trenchless pipe installation is required, an engineer licensed in Alaska knowledgeable about trenchless methods should assist during the design and construction until in-house expertise is developed.

Trenchless Pipe Installations 12 • This engineer should be asked to do the following. • Ensure adequate geotechnical data are available. • Assist with the design for the trenchless work.

Trenchless Pipe Installations 13 • Assist with the specifications for the trenchless work. • Assist the trenchless construction as needed.

Trenchless Pipe Installations 14 • In order to ensure an adequate trenchless installation, specifications may require minimum contractor qualifications and/or minimum equipment characteristics.

Words of Wisdom from George Vernon, PE, Trenchless Consultant 15 • Educate yourself. What you do not know can waste time and money. • Do it right the first time or do it over. • Find the right people to solve the problem. The extra cost could save time and money.