Well-known and innovative Western Australian company, Premium Pipe Services, has become involved in some of the works.

Managing Director Trevor Gosatti decided to trial a Grundoburst 800G (80 tonne) Static Pipe Bursting machine from TT Asia Pacific on this project. TT Asia Pacific, part of the worldwide Tracto-Technik Group, recommended the 800G for its ease of operation with the patented Quicklock Rod system and coupled with the knowledge that the 80 tonne pulling power was more than what was required for the project. The team from Premium Pipe Services was assisted by TT Asia Pacific’s Denis Vout (Sales Manager) and John Walsh (Service Supervisor).

The section chosen for the trial involved replacement of approximately 309 m of 150 mm PVC sewer with new 250 mm PE pipe, in Piccadilly Street. This section was then divided into four sections of 84 m, 80 m, 80 m, and 65 m. The four designated sections were all completed well within the capacity of the 800G with the highest recorded pull being no more than 40 tonnes. Pushing through of the Quicklock Rods took on average 35 minutes and pull back installing the new PE line averaging less than 50 minutes.

Ground conditions in the area are notoriously hard with dry coarse running sand surrounding the existing pipe, making compaction difficult when upsizing. The Grundoburst 800G handled these conditions with ease.

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The trenchless technique has a special interest for Kalgoorlie Council as the town has many uncommonly wide streets, with these being very busy at times. The wide aspect apparently is from the days when Kalgoorlie was supplied by Camel Trains that needed very wide streets to turn around!

After completion of a very successful trial, pipe bursting is sure to become a regular method of replacing aging systems in WA in the future.