Trenchless do-it-yourself pipe laying
Builders are well aware that one of the most problematic issues that arise when laying pipes, is considered a way to overcome artificial barriers. Such obstacles can be a variety of structures located on the path of the future pipeline (fences, sewer lines, roads, etc.). Generally speaking, the issue of breaking trenches in such places (with subsequent pipe laying into it) in the presence of an object that creates an increased load on the ground is specifically stipulated in the requirements of the SNiP. This is explained by the fact that such an operation can cause a collapse of the earth and the destruction of the structure located above it. The trenchless pipe laying with own hands acquires particular importance in the case of overcoming routes with intensive traffic (including railways). It is in such situations that the so-called “puncture” of the land is applied, which excludes the possibility of unforeseen soil subsidence in the working area.
Pipeline Laying Techniques
Among all the known methods of laying pipelines the most common are the following:
- direct puncture;
- the so-called "pushing" of the soil;
- drilling (horizontal);
- penetration using shields.
In order to choose the appropriate pipe laying option, you will need to decide on the following things:
- condition of the soil in the wiring zone (including the presence of natural water in it);
- the nature of the building;
- parameters of isolation of the laid channel from external factors;
- the length of the gasket;
- diameter of the pipeline;
- economic rationale for this particular method of installation.
The advantages of technology "puncture"
One of the most used methods of pipe routing is a puncture, used when working in clay and loamy soils (with pipes with a diameter of up to 550 mm). Immediately, we note that the length of the plot laid in this way should not be more than 60 meters. In addition, in this situation, you can not do without special equipment (winches and jack, in particular).
The application of this method has undoubted advantages, thanks to which it is possible to perform all the work without destroying the roadway (or any other building structure). Indeed, in this situation, you are laying the pipeline directly under the structures or buildings located on the surface of the earth.
A prerequisite for the use of this technique is to take into account the main risks associated with the possible shedding (erosion) of soil layers at the site of the pipeline. In all such cases, an elementary consideration is needed not only of the quality of the earth's composition, but also the depth of the groundwater in the area of the proposed installation.
Recently, the method of laying pipes, which does not involve digging any trenches, is becoming increasingly popular with builders and gradually replacing other options for their wiring. Experts consider the "puncture" the most reliable method and associate it with such advantages as:
- Preservation of the integrity of the site, "punched" by puncture of the soil.
- No threat to communications located in the neighborhood.
- The possibility of rejection of special (heavy) construction equipment.
How to make a puncture with your own hands
Practical implementation of the method of trenchless pipe laying with your own hands is possible only on a relatively short section (no more than ten meters), and also in the presence of a good physical form, which would allow you to perform heavy work operations. As for the equipment necessary for such work, you will definitely need the following simple tool:
- the simplest welding machine;
- the usual "Bulgarian";
- a small sledgehammer;
- fittings no thicker than 20 millimeters;
- steel pipe of the diameter you choose (several pieces);
- the pump equipped with a plastic pipe;
- plastic barrel with neck (capacity up to 200 liters);
- funnel with a hose up to 2 meters long.
The trenching process usually involves the following steps:
- Preparation of the ditch on both sides of the road (with a margin of 12-13 cm). When it is digged, the axis of the pipe that you plan to lay is marked.
- After this, the pipe blank is taken and its end is sharpened, which is meant to be driven into the ground. At the same time it is best to cut the teeth on it, using the "grinder".
- With the implementation of all these operations (after each successive pushing of the pipe), you should carry out the washing out of the soil from its hollow part.
- After each successive “flushing” of the pipe, it should be further driven down with a sledgehammer.
Video
Soil puncture technique can be found here:
A photo