Railway Track & Structures - May 2008 - (Page 31)

PIPE RAMMING C.H. Nix crews used a Grundoram Goliath pneumatic pipe rammer from TT Technologies to install numerous casings at different locations along a new rail line for Utah Transit Authority. Ramming T renaissance Louisiana Tech University describes pipe ramming as “a trenchless method for installation of steel pipes or casings, in which a pneumatic tool is used to hammer the pipe or casing into the ground, while the excess soil from creating the borehole is removed to the surface.” The front of the lead casing is welded with a cutting shoe to help reduce friction and cut through the soil. Bentonite or polymer lubrication can also be used to help reduce friction during ramming operations. Steel casing sizes range from fourinches to a world-record 147 inches, depending on the project. The most common sizes are between 24 and 60 inches. “Several options are available for ramming various lengths of pipe. An entire length of pipe can be installed at once or, for longer runs, one section at a time can be installed. In that case, the ramming Railroads are turning to the established method of pipe ramming to rehab and install key ditching and drainage components. here are some issues that strike across the rail industry, no matter how large or small a railroad. One of these concerns is how to keep water away from working track. One technique, pipe ramming, is being used on railroads to install new culverts and rehab existing infrastructure in order to keep track dry and working properly. Pipe ramming played a vital role on a 44-mile project for the Utah Transit Authority when an auger bore became stuck 40 feet into a 80-foot storm-drain bore, leaving a void and a 15-foot sinkhole between two Union Paciﬁc tracks. An 18inch Grundoram Goliath pipe rammer was brought in to save the day and, more importantly, complete the bore. The Trenchless Technology Center at Pipe ramming explained www.rtands.com tool is removed after each section is in place and a new section is welded on to the end of the newly-installed section,” said Dave Holcomb, product specialist at TT Technologies, Inc. “The ramming tool is connected to the new section and ramming continues. Depending on the size of the installation, spoil from inside the casing can be removed with compressed air, water, an augering system or other types of earthmoving equipment.” Eric Nicholson, director of global and key accounts for HammerHead Mole, has seen a variety of methods used to clean out the casing. “People have used water jets, hydro-excavators, auger machines and, in some large installations, a mini bobcat was used to drive in and out.” Although typical pipe rams are short and shallow, between 100 and 150 feet by Mischa Wanek-Libman, assistant editor Railway Track & Structures May 2008 31 http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - May 2008 On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D NRC In Good Shape to Face Upcoming Challenges Pipe Ramming Can Aid Drainage Conrail Building to Handle Booming Northern New Jersey Traffic Products and Literature People Calendar Sales Representatives Advertisers Index Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - May 2008

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