Pipe Cracking (or Pipe Bursting)

 

Pipe cracking (or pipe bursting) is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines, such as sewer- and water pipes, without the need for the construction of traditional construction trenches.

Pipe Cracking refers to the technique of inserting a “cracking/bursting head” into and through the existing pipe. In doing so, the old pipe fractures and sends the remaining materials and fragments into the surrounding soil area. At the same time the new pipe is pulled into place.

Old, broken or worn pipelines can be re-sleeved (also known as Sliplining) with smaller liners or pipes without any trenching. Pipes can be replaced at the same diameter with alternative material (such as clay to HDPE) by means of Pipe Cracking. Pipe Cracking may also be used to expand pipeline capacity by replacing existing pipes with larger ones, or “up-sizing”.

ADVANTAGES OF PIPE CRACKING AND SLIPLINING TO CONVENTIONAL EXCAVATION AND PIPE LAYING
  • Trenchless technology – no trench, no dig.
  • No disturbance of ground, structures, services and traffic
  • High speed efficiency that exceeds any conventional excavation or trenching
  • No bedding or backfill required
  • Less manpower required
  • Safer than conventional construction
  • More cost efficient than conventional construction

pipe_bursting

 

pipe_cracking