Pipe Bursting-Replacement and Rehabilitation

Pipe Bursting [Replacement]

Pipe Bursting is a technique for replacement of existing pipes. The existing pipe, once burst, becomes the guide path for the new pipe being installed.

This technique bursts the old pipe and in so doing displaces the fragmented old pipe into the surrounding soil. This creates a hole of roughly the same dimension as the original. If a larger diameter pipe is to be installed a larger 'expanding cone' is used to increase the size of the hole. Once done, the new pipe is pushed or pulled into position.

A variation of this method is called 'Pipe Slitting' which breaks the pipe by longitudinal slitting.

Pipe bursting is popular in urban areas where congestion due to existing services sharing the same space under the surface is a problem.

Step 1

Shore the wall of the hole where the Pipe Genie will be situated. Using 4x4 timbers assemble a retaining barrier as shown. Brush out debris from the pipe area. The Pipe Genie will be situated against this retaining barrier.

Step 2

Insert 'Push Tube' and then attach the cable.

Step 3

Pull cable through and then attach the chain.

Step 4

Pull chain through pipe.

Step 5

Set frame of Pipe Genie in the hole. Note Step 1 and ensure frame is butted against retaining barrier as described.

Step 6

Assemble cylinder(s), pulley and top pulling assembly.

Step 7

Pass chain around pulley and top box assembly.

Step 8

Install breaking cones over chain and then install the pipe guide.

Step 9

Hook up pulling chain to block (flat end forward) and hook up retaining chain.

Step 10

Hook up hydraulic hoses from cylinders to actuator, and from actuator to the supplied power pack.

Step 11

Start the power pack, and start pulling cones into the old pipe.

Step 12-13

[12] Insert chain into new pipe and insert new pipe into the pipe guide.
[13] Pull retaining chain snug and hook up boot. You're ready to begin installing pipe.

Step 14

Begin pulling until the pipe is in and the boot is at the bank. Repeat these steps (13, 14, 15) until all the pipe is in.

Step 15

[15] When the breaking cones come through, remove them one at a time by releasing the chain coupler, and then finally release the pipe guide.
[15a] Once pipe is fully through, remove the pipe boot and retrieve the chain.

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