May 2015, Vol. 70, No.5
Features
IPBA Completes Lateral Pipe Bursting Guideline
A newly-developed and comprehensive guideline for replacement of sanitary sewer laterals by pipe bursting is available now from the International Pipe Bursting Association (IPBA).
The IPBA Guideline for Sewer Lateral Pipe Bursting was completed in late March and can be downloaded free from the association’s web site (http://www.ipbaonline.org).
“The guideline describes current lateral pipe bursting practices used by engineers and construction professionals,” said Matt Timberlake, IPBA vice chairperson. “They are based on information obtained from technical papers, existing guidelines and specifications, case studies, manufacturers’ literature and other related information, as well as knowledge and experience of industry experts and the IPBA Leadership Team.”
The lateral guideline follows the IPBA Guideline Specification for Replacement of Mainline Sewer Pipes by Pipe Bursting published in 2012. Since its introduction, this document has become an industry standard of reference.
The lateral guideline has a similar format to the one for mainlines and includes content ranging from a history and general description of pipe bursting technology, comparisons of pipe bursting with open-cut and other rehabilitation methods, conditions that limit the effectiveness of pipe bursting, pipe bursting’s effect on surrounding environment, range of applications and design considerations for lateral applications, details of each step involved in the lateral bursting process, how pipe bursting relates to green initiatives, and much more.
Timberlake said the guideline was prepared to assist municipal utility owners, private property owners, project designers, plumbers and contractors involved in pipeline replacement and/or rehabilitation projects to evaluate the capabilities of pipe bursting as an established trenchless pipe replacement method.
The document was developed over the course of 12 months, a short period of time for the comprehensive scope of its content.
Timberlake said the IPBA completed the mainline guideline in 2012 and the IPBA leadership team recognized the need for a similar document for lateral pipe bursting. In February 2014 an ad hoc group met to discuss developing a lateral guideline.
“There was a high-level of interest,” said Timberlake. “Ultimately the group committed to developing the guideline that included contractors, manufacturers and engineers and inspectors from municipalities.
“They represented all regions of the country and all categories of contractors who use pipe bursting and often approach the application differently. For example, a plumber approaches pipe bursting differently than a utility contractor – the plumber from the house ‘out’ to the main; the contractor from the main to the house.
“Understanding different perspectives helped guide how information could be communicated in a document useful to all. This broad representation gave us a 360-degree perspective of the technology and its applications.”
John Galligan, PipeShark Inc., was chairperson of the working committee that developed the guideline. Throughout 2014, members met at several industry trade shows to review and make revisions to the work in progress.
The final draft was approved in mid-March.
“The next step,” concluded Timberlake, “is distributing the guideline. That it is available at no cost without membership requirements in IPBA should help us reach everyone who can benefit from the guideline.”
The IPBA is a division of NASSCO (National Association of Sewer Service Companies). The IPBA is committed to advancing the acceptance of pipe bursting through education, training, marketing and governmental support and to promote the replacement of existing pipe infrastructure using the most cost effective method.
Based in Marriottsville, MD, NASSCO is a national association representing sewer and rehabilitation industry manufacturers and suppliers, municipalities and utility districts, engineers and contracting firms dedicated to establishing and implementing standards for rehabilitation of underground utilities.
Special Recognition
The International Pipe Bursting Associations recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their assistance in developing the IPBA Guideline for Sewer Lateral Pipe Bursting:
John Galligan, The PipeShark Inc.; Matt Timberlake, Ted Berry Company Inc.; Jay Garrett, Utah Pipebursting; Mike McCloud, Al Mackey, Hal Richard with the city of Columbus, OH; Tom Carlisle, Underground Connections Inc.; Mike Woodcock, Portland Utilities Construction Co.; George Mallakis and the staff of TT Technologies; Brian Metcalf and the staff of Hammerhead Trenchless Equipment; Michael Lien, John Rafferty and the staff of TRIC Tools Inc.; Doug McLendon Mid-Atlantic Trenchless; Paul Hajzus, Roddie Inc.; Jim Theriault, Omni Eye Inc.; Rob Morrow, Mocon Corp.; and NASSCO.
FOR MORE INFO:
International Pipe Bursting Association, (410) 442-7473, http://www.ipbaonline.org
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