Smithcorp - Pipe Bursting

Summary

Static Pipe Bursting:
Uses hydraulic power to pull the bursting head through the existing pipe.

Pneumatic Pipe Bursting:
Uses compressed air to power a percussive hammer in the bursting head.

Hydraulic Expansion:
Uses hydraulic pressure to expand the bursting head.

Applications

Water main replacement

Sewer line replacement

Gas line renovation

Undersized pipe upsizing (can increase diameter by 25-50%)

Replacement of deteriorated or damaged pipelines

Advantages

Minimal surface disruption compared to open-cut methods.

Reduced restoration costs.

Faster project completion.

Lower social costs (traffic disruption, business impact).

Ability to increase pipe diameter during replacement.

No need for extensive dewatering or shoring.

Limitations

Requires access pits at both ends.

Limited by existing pipe material (some materials harder to burst than others).

Challenges with densely packed utilities nearby.

Potential ground heave in shallow installations.

Service connections require additional excavation.

Not suitable for pipes with significant misalignment or collapsed sections.

Pipe bursting has become increasingly popular for infrastructure renewal projects, particularly in urban environments where minimizing disruption is critical to project success.