DIG LESS TRENCHES

摘要

From its roots in British Gas, Advantica has been in the forefront of No Dig technologyrndevelopment and effective implementation. The paper will firstly consider the potentialrninfluences necessitating the introduction of No Dig techniques.rnConstruction and maintenance operations on gas distribution networks are perceived asrncausing traffic disruption and recent legislation within the UK encourages utilities to managernroadworks in a timely manner. The question remains as to why utility infrastructure works arerncarried out in a way that would generally be recognised by our forefathers who constructedrnsimilar infrastructure over a hundred years ago.rnAgeing infrastructure approaching the end of its useful life may lead to increasing workloads.rnThe paper will consider if the costs of any potential disruption as a result of this work shouldrnbe borne by society or alternatively by the utility investing in trenchless techniques in an effortrnto minimise disruption.rnMany minimal dig techniques such as Swagelining and Pipe Bursting developed by BritishrnGas and live mains insertion exist but may not be utilised to their full extent. The authors willrnreview the existing technology describing both the advantages and limitations.rnNew materials and methodologies continue to be developed and introduced to enhance theserntechniques which will help to reduce construction times. Recently developed, in pipe, testrnmethodologies to prove system integrity, using acoustic temperature measurement and virtualrnseal technology will be described.rnAdditionally advances in service line replacement using insertion techniques and internalrnrepair of large diameter gas mains utilising robotics derived from the sewer repair industryrnoffer opportunities to minimise excavation.rnFinally the authors will consider the future possibilities for robotics to be used to carry out inrnpipe service connections or even to roam the pipe system inspecting and reporting on systemrnfaults.