Lessons learned in trenchless pipe replacement

Trenchless pipe replacement techniques represent an emerging field of new construction that provides a practical alternative to conventional open cut construction. There are several advantages that pipe bursting presents over traditional pipe replacement and installation methods including: 1) reduced social costs and environmental impact; and 2) increased productivity and safety. Pipe bursting is recognized as the only method of trenchless pipe replacement or rehabilitation where an existing pipe can be replaced with a completely new pipe of equal diameter or larger, therefore maintaining or increasing the capacity of the current line. While pipe bursting has been in employed in Europe since the mid-1980's, it has been slow in its acceptance in North America. Due to the many unknowns inherent to underground construction, there is certain risk and considerations associated with this construction alternative. Through the analysis of three case studies of static pipe bursting projects, several of these considerations will be examined to provide a summary of lessons learned. These lessons incorporate the aspects of pipe bursting that are lessor known to assist in the identification of circumstances in which pipe bursting may be a suitable method of replacement. It is anticipated that, through the sharing of this knowledge and experience, the mysteries surrounding the pipe bursting technique will be made clearer to help in promoting the method as a viable alternative to traditional open cut pipe replacement.