Underground Utility Installation: Trenchless Technology and the Challenges of Crossing Railroad Tracks

🚇Installing underground utilities without disrupting surface infrastructure is possible using trenchless technologies.

🔄Horizontal earth boring involves excavating soil and advancing casing pipe to create a straight and precise path.

⏳Continuous monitoring of the tracks and elevation is crucial to ensure that the drilling doesn't impact the railroad.

👷‍♂️Safety measures, such as coordination with railroad operators and a specialized crew, are essential when working near railroads.

🚂The project required nonstop drilling to avoid disrupting train operations.

How were existing utilities located and avoided during the drilling process?

—A vacuum excavation crew used a powerful vacuum to remove soil without damaging the utility lines. This was followed by surveying to accurately locate and mark the utilities.

What happens if the drilling deviates from the intended path?

—If the bore starts to deviate, hydraulic jacks can be used to deflect the casing shoes and bring the operation back into alignment.

How long did the drilling process take?

—The drilling process took about a week to complete, with crews working nonstop in double shifts.

Why was continuous monitoring of the tracks necessary?

—Continuous monitoring of the tracks was necessary to ensure that the drilling did not affect the tracks and cause disruptions to train operations.

What type of pipe was used for the water transmission main?

—The water transmission main used plastic pressure pipe that was connected using a bell-and-spigot design.

00:01The video introduces the Union Pacific Railroad's Austin Subdivision in central Texas, a busy corridor for both freight and passenger trains.

01:20Crystal Clear Special Utility District planned to install a new water transmission main across the tracks to meet the growing demand for water.

03:01A vacuum excavation crew confirmed the location of existing utilities by using a powerful vacuum to remove soil and avoid damaging the utility lines.

04:37Safety measures, including coordination with railroad operators and a specialized crew, were implemented to ensure worker and train safety.

08:56The boring machine excavated the soil and advanced the casing pipe, with continuous monitoring of the tracks to detect any changes in elevation.

12:26After a week of continuous drilling, the cutter broke through on the other side of the track.

13:12The water pipe made of plastic pressure pipe was pushed through the casing, connecting with the existing pipes.

14:56The video concludes by highlighting the role of surveyors and inviting viewers to explore trigonometry on Brilliant, a sponsor of the video.