Dallas Goes Trenchless

Almeida, A. V.; ,

Dallas Goes Trenchless

by A. V. Almeida, Dir.; Pipeline Rehabilitation Program, Dallas Water Utilities, Dallas, TX,

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1992, Vol. 62, Issue 9, Pg. 71-73

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has stopped relying solely on traditional open-cut trenching methods. Instead, we look to trenchless technologies to minimize costs and disruption to the public. Having completed two successful projects, the department is now ready to replace a corrosion-deteriorated wastewater interceptor main on the west side of the city, built from 1949 to 1953. The replacement of the existing 48 in. interceptor will require the installation of more than 10,000 ft of 48 in. main by microtunneling at a cost of $6.3 million. This main has an average depth of more than 25 ft in a limestone shale with a ground-water table over the pipe. Construction is set to begin November 1992. The project should take less than a year to complete. Throughout the 1970s and '80s, as the Dallas area grew, we created and extended pipelines and system capacity to meet demand. Traditional open-cut methods are cost-effective for these new developments. Water and wastewater pipes, however, need to be replaced or substantially rehabilitated due to deterioration, old age, neglect, inferior materials and workmanship, lack of adequate construction inspection, and increased traffic loading. Also, redevelopment in many areas of the city requires an increase in the capacity of the existing pipe systems. In these instances, trenchless methods are most effective.

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