Pipe bursting is the replacement of underground pipes by pulling a pipe bursting head through an existing host pipeline to break, split or burst the existing pipes and to displace their fragments into the surrounding soil, whilst simultaneously pulling in a new pipe of the same or larger diameter into the void created. Insitu Pipelines has the capacity to burst pipes with diameters of up to 650mm, and up to 160m in length between existing manholes.
The new pipe is attached to the conical shaped bursting head with a diameter slightly larger than the new replacement pipe, this is then pulled through the existing pipe by means of a specialised winch.
The radial expansion caused by the geometry of the bursting head surmounts the host pipe’s tensile and shear strength capacities, resulting in the fragmentation or splitting of the pipe.
As the bursting head is pulled through the host pipe, the fragments are pushed into the resulting space, creating a cavity for the new pipe, which is simultaneously pulled into the newly formed cavity.
This technique is the best method to increase the capacity of an old conduit as the diameter can be increased to almost twice the size of the original pipe, diameter dependant.
Pipe bursting was initially developed to replace small diameter gas distribution lines, but has since grown in acceptance as an effective method for replacing pipelines diverse in size, material type and function including water, sewer or gas pipelines. Pipe bursting is used to replace brittle pipes such as clay, concrete, cast iron and asbestos. Insitu Pipelines is a certified Asbestos removal contractor with the Department of Labour.
Bursting avoids the need to secure additional right-of-way to install the replacement pipe. Bursting can be used to upsize the pipeline increasing its flow capacity.
The suitability of employing pipe bursting depends on numerous factors including burst length, host pipe material, upsize diameter and geological conditions. Insitu Pipelines has the experience to identify and calculate the pressure needed to burst the pipe and assess feasibility.
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Minor excavation at the insertion point may be required.
