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Pipe Bursting |
Pipe bursting is a trenchless method for replacement of existing deteriorated or undersized gas, water, and sewer pipes. The method consists of insertion of a new product pipe of equal or larger diameter into an existing “host” pipe, and utilizes a bursting head or expander combined with a winch or hydraulic ramming system to break the existing pipeline.
During the bursting process, the bursting head is inserted into the host pipe and forced through it, causing the pipe to fracture into pieces which are pushed out into the surrounding soil. The replacement pipe is pulled into the enlarged hole concurrent with bursting, typically attached to the rear of the bursting head.
Pipe bursting requires access of the existing pipe at both ends by excavated pits, commonly referred to as bursting and insertion pits. The winch is located at the bursting pit, while the bursting head and new pipeline are installed through the insertion pit. While the insertion pit must be sized to accommodate the bend radius of the new pipe, the bursting pit need only be long enough to install the winch and remove the bursting head upon completion of the burst.
Bursting Head
Bursting Pit