This acquisition is a strategic addition to the suite of services already provided by CLM. The CLM Trenchless addition provides a broad range of world’s best practice technologies for the installation and renovation of underground and aboveground pipelines.

Since 1981, CLM has built its reputation with its successful projects, innovative solutions, strong project management and committed systems team, all of which makes CLM the leader when it comes to pipeline related construction. CLM Trenchless is the ideal complement to the existing Civils and Cables departments who are already firmly established within the telecommunications, electricity, water, sewer, stormwater and industrial markets.

While CLM Trenchless is a new addition to CLM, it is anything but new in terms of skilled staff, project experience and capability to deliver a wide variety of trenchless solutions. Along with the core management team who bring a combined total of 50 years experience specific to the trenchless industry, the acquisition included all plant, equipment and licences. Now entering its second year of operation, CLM Trenchless has made significant investment in new equipment and broadened its capabilities.

CLM Trenchless is committed to keeping abreast of technology and market trends. Through an existing network of equipment and both local and international material supply partners, the company is confident that this is maintained. This is integral as CLM Trenchless is in a business that involves new technologies and innovation.

Although standards, approvals, and product testing procedures do not always adequately address all of the design, installation and service life issues that would normally be covered via traditional construction techniques and products, CLM Trenchless ensures all of its products and procedures are subject to thorough scrutiny internally and externally. This ensures that what is offered delivers true value that is consistent with client expectations in terms of serviceability and long term performance, while ensuring the safety and welfare of the employees.

CLM Trenchless’ range of Trenchless Technologies are quite extensive, a number of which are suited to pressure and non pressure applications, including potable water pipelines. A brief outline of the company’s capabilities are provided below.

Pipe bursting

Ideally used during the replacement of pipelines in diameters ranging from 75 mm to 900 mm, this method involves the displacement of an existing host pipe and the simultaneous installation of a structural replacement pipe of the same or greater diameter. The replacement pipe is usually a continuous welded PE pipe.

The applications for pipebursting cover sewer, water, stormwater and industrial applications. CLM’s product pipe is Australian-manufactured and is available with a complete range of fittings for pressure and non-pressure applications. Due to the nature of the process, pipebursting requires an excavation at each connection location, therefore resulting in a completely new pipeline and connections. It is similar to what a direct lay project would deliver, albeit causing a fraction of the excavation and disruption to the community.

A range of specialised hydraulic and pneumatic pipebursting equipment is available which allows for maximum flexibility in the delivery of projects.

Slip-lining

In a somewhat similar method to that of pipebursting, a pipeline that is smaller than the existing main is installed. This is best suited for pipeline renewals where the capacity can be reduced. Installation is either by towing in of the product pipe, or pipe-jacking, in the case of larger diameter segmental pipe. CLM Trenchless is able to install a wide range of pipe products using this technique and the applications are also suited to ovoid or box section applications.

Swagelining

This is a licensed process that was originally developed in the UK by British Gas and North West Water for the renewal of gas and water pipelines. The process involves butt-welding of a section of pipe slightly longer than the main to be replaced. Immediately prior to insertion, the pipe is temporarily reduced in diameter via a reduction die, before being towed into the host pipe. The PE main then reverts to fit tightly to the host pipe.

A wide range of fittings are available for the reconnection of the new main to the existing pipe and for service connections, tees and bends. This process has numerous applications for the structural renovation of sewer, water and industrial pipelines and can be installed in below and above ground applications. The PE wall thickness can be varied according to pressure or structure requirements.

Pipeline robotics

CLM Trenchless’ PMO robotic pipeline repair equipment is ideally suited for the cutting, grinding and milling of intrusions, encrustations, and even completely blocked sewers. The equipment can cut through most materials, including concrete in pipelines.

Epoxy injection is also possible with the PMO unit for repair of cracks and joints, and sealing of junction connections. This structural repair technique provides for a 50 year sealing solution and is ideal for localised defect repair in pipelines ranging in diameter from 150 mm to 800 mm.

Point-Liner® and Point-Cap® short form liners

CLM Trenchless exclusively represents Bodenbender, a German-based specialty supplier to the pipeline renovation market. Bodenbender has a wide range of high quality pipeline renovation products which include the Point-Liner and Point-Cap products. These are used for the remote repair of pipelines via a combination of specialised resins and fabrics that are installed on site via inflatable packers to repair localised defects. These products are suitable for use in non-potable gravity pipelines and junctions such as sewer and stormwater mains. The Point-Cap product is also a very effective sealing product for installation at junction cut outs in lined pipes.

Both of these products have internationally recognised certifications relating to design, service life and adhesion ensuring that the products conform to the relevant Australian standards. This is supported by extensively documented physical tests which are necessary in establishing design and service life expectations in areas such as sewer pipelines. As the product is effectively made on site, quality control is paramount. Installers are put through stringent training courses to ensure that all installations are carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Internal joint sealing

Hydratite™ Sealing system is used exclusively and is supplied by Ohio-based company Hunting HTI Rehab. The seal uses an EPDM rubber gasket (which is potable water approved), that bridges the defective joint or crack. It is then retained in place via stainless steel retaining bands which are locked in place. The seals are suitable for all pipe diameters from 700 mm and greater, in a variety of shapes. Once installed, the seals provide a long-term seal that is capable of withstanding operating pressures exceeding 20 bar and external loadings in excess of 40 m.

Access openings can be many hundreds of metres apart, effectively minimising excavations. The product is ideally suited where pipe failures are caused by joint failure, yet the host pipe itself is structurally sound. In this instance, Hydratite seals are an ideal, cost-effective solution.

Specialised trenchless applications

Apart from off-the-shelf solutions, CLM is capable of tackling unique challenges. The company prides itself in its ability to offer a solution, even if it requires thinking outside of the square. Over the years, it has built up a significant portfolio of successful pipeline projects that have required true innovation in terms of design, equipment adaptation and construction methodology. This was possible due to the inputs from all facets of the company’s business ranging from the coal face through to the engineering shop, and on to the design and estimating departments.

The above capabilities give an overview of what the trenchless division offers. It does not include numerous other current capabilities such as lining of watermains, directional drilling, pipe ramming, thrust boring and more.