Trenchless Australasia October 2023

ISSUE 81 | OCTOBER 2023 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

GAME CHANGER Watercare’s Hiwi-i-te-Rang MTBM breaks through in New Zealand

Lessening impacts on Auckland community | No-Dig Down Under 2023 wraps Edge Underground grows with OptionX Group innovations | Why accurate detection data matters | Removing end-users from hazards

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Contents ISSUE 81 OCTOBER 2023 UNDER NEW ZEALAND

REHAB & REPAIR

New Zealand ASTT Councillor’s report

12

Impreg sets the tone for Australian customers

42

Punching above its weight

14

Load, lock, and leave

44

New Zealand’s Central Interceptor tunnel project reaches halfway mark 16

A versatile tool for pipeline maintenance

46

Lessening impacts on the Auckland community

18

A sustainable commitment

48

Local knowledge, Taranaki proud

20

Hynds delivers on wastewater tunnel project

22

HDD

The kwik solution for New Zealand

24

New machine solidifies longstanding HDD partnership

Queen St wastewater project to benefit from Enterprise Model

26

Why accurate detection data matters underground

52

CEA Subsite Calibration Centre opens its doors in Brisbane

54

50

NO-DIG DOWN UNDER Highlights from this year’s event

28

VACCUUM & HYDRO EXCAVATION

Austeck’s conference focus

30

Removing end-users from hazardous situations

56

CDE impresses at exhibition

32

The Rangedale service

58

FINANCE Communication and accessibility key to equipment finance

REGULARS 34

RELINING

Editor’s letter

6

From the President

8

From the ASTT Secretary

10

From rust to robust

36

ASTT corporate members

60

A spiral wound lining solution

38

People on the move

62

MICROTUNNELLING Edge Underground grows with OptionX Group innovations

40

This magazine is the official journal of the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) and is distributed to members and other interested parties throughout Australia and the AsiaPacific. It is also available on subscription.

The publishers welcome editorial contributions from interested parties. However, neither the publishers nor the ASTT accept responsibility for the content of these contributions and the views contained therein are not necessarily the views of the publishers or the ASTT. Neither the publishers nor the ASTT accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. All communications should be directed to the publishers.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, by providing editorial material to Prime Creative Media (PCM), including text and images, you are providing permission for that material to be subsequently used by PCM, whole or in part, edited or unchanged, alone or in combination with other material in any publication or format in print or online or howsoever distributed, whether produced by PCM and its agents and associates or another party to whom PCM has provided permission.

Cover image Left: New Zealand’s Central Interceptor tunnel project reaches halfway mark – Page 16. Image: Watercare.

4 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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CEO

John Murphy CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au MANAGING EDITOR

Molly Hancock molly.hancock@primecreative.com.au EDITORIAL

Clemence Carayol clemence.carayol@primecreative.com.au Vivien Topalovic vivien.topalovic@primecreative.com.au BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Nick Lovering nick.lovering@primecreative.com.au DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER

Michelle Weston

Editor’s Letter

michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

Clemence Carayol

ART DIRECTOR

A

Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au DESIGNERS

Kerry Pert, Blake Storey COPYRIGHT Trenchless Australasia is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Trenchless Australasia is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Trenchless Australasia are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated. © Copyright Prime Creative Media, 2021

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Head Office 379 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 Ph: +61 3 9690 8766 enquiries@primecreative.com.au http://www.primecreative.com.au Sydney Office Suite 303, 1-9 Chandos Street Saint Leonards NSW 2065, Australia Ph: (02) 9439 7227

Printed by: Manark Printing 28 Dingley Ave Dandenong VIC 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 8337 6 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

fter the excitement of No-Dig Down Under 2023 and our last edition focusing on one of the most highly anticipated events in the trenchless industry, we are thrilled to bring you another edition of Trenchless Australasia.

We have decided to set our sights on the beautiful country that is New Zealand for our October issue.

One thing is certain: this country punches above its weight when it comes to trenchless projects.

New Zealand has a long history of trenchless projects that have significantly shaped its infrastructure and development.

Traditional open-cut methods could cause disruptions to fragile ecosystems, harm native wildlife, and negatively impact waterways.

This is why trenchless is king in this country with such amazing and oh-so diverse landscapes.

We will delve into the cutting-edge trenchless methods being employed to

address the unique challenges posed by New Zealand’s diverse terrain.

From the bustling urban centres to the remote rural areas, trenchless techniques have been proving their efficiency and effectiveness in minimising disruption to humans and the environment alike.

In order to do so, we will showcase numerous case studies that demonstrate the practical application of trenchless methods in different projects throughout.

We will also showcase a number of engaging interviews of industry leaders and local experts who are driving the trenchless move in New Zealand along with contributions from experts in the field.

Happy reading!

Clemence Carayol Editor clemence.carayol@primecreative.com.au

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President’s Message

I

THE AUSTRALASIAN SOCIETY FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

ABN 43 893 870 966 18 Frinton Place Greenwood, WA 6024 www.astt.com.au President: Ben Crosby Secretary: Trevor Gosatti

t is my pleasure to welcome you to back to Trenchless Australasia, after a wonderful No-Dig Down Under event in Brisbane in September.

The ASTT Gala Dinner and Awards was a sell-out with numerous attendees celebrating the success of the industry.

A chance to continue recognising the success of the industry and the challenges it has overcome in the last few years – since the whole world was put on a stop with the pandemic – were the ASTT Awards.

It was inspiring to hear the stories and emerging technologies of the industry, from the best rehabilitation project to the new installation project of the year, and new technology, there was lots learn and celebrate this year.

I hope you all give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done over the course of the past few years.

I am grateful that we were able to finally host and connect as an industry at a conference such as No-Dig Down Under.

T O G Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors for continuing to believe in the vision of No-Dig Down Under and supporting the event.

With a recap on the success of the event, this edition of the magazine will also focus on the beautiful and diverse terrain of New Zealand’s trenchless industry.

It will showcase a range of fascinating case studies that demonstrate the practical application of trenchless methods in different projects throughout New Zealand.

From horizontal directional drilling beneath sensitive ecological areas to advanced pipe bursting techniques, this edition of the magazine will bring you case studies that highlight the versatility and adaptability of trenchless technologies.

Ben Crosby ASTT President

Vice President: Blair Telfer COUNCILLORS

Western Australia: Aizezi Jiang Queensland: Ben Crosby New South Wales: Sudipta Basu Victoria: Ash Hamer South Australia: Shaun Melville New Zealand: Blair Telfer Northern Territory: Vacant Tasmania: Vacant

8 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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Secretary’s Corner October 2023 New Members On behalf of the ASTT, I extend a warm welcome to the following new members.

Gold Corporate Members – Australia Water Corporation - (Mohammed Hanifi) Silver Corporate Members - Australia CC Group – Gavin Folan AQUATEK Fluid Systems – Javier Ivan Reolon Fulton Hogan – Abbas Moussawi Channeline International – Marc Ciochetto Veolia (NZ) – Dave Neru ACP Australian Custom Pipes – Dennis Jones Matamata Directional Drilling – Nathan Twaddle Derby Rubber Products – Tim Rosser Individual Members – Australia Craig Wilson from The Training Company (AUS) Pty Ltd Timothy Thum from Curtin University Shayne Hicks from HDDT International Nicholas Watson from Grout & Watson Pty Ltd No-Dig Down Under 2023 Brisbane As this edition of Trenchless Australasia follows the No-Dig Down Under 2023 held in Brisbane from the September 13-14, 2023, it is prudent to reflect on the success of the event.

The exhibition space was sold out and sponsorships for the events were all taken. This shows the strong support the trenchless technology industry has in attending these events and the benefits that can be provided to all industry stakeholders.

Highlights from the event included: • A quality program of technical papers was presented during the

Conference. These included a number of international speakers and papers complimenting the local participants.

• A sold-out exhibition hall showcasing the best of the industry products and services.

• Keynote speakers including ISTT Chairman Albert Shou made topical presentations.

• A fantastic social program provided great networking opportunities.

• The Gala Dinner and ASTT Awards celebrated the best of the industry in Australia and New Zealand, including: • Rehabilitation Project of the Year: Epsom Main Sewer Rehabilitation – Melbourne Water, John Holland – KBR Joint Venture, Interflow and Welltech Total Water Management.

• New Installation Project of the Year: West Gate Tunnel Project – Cross Pipes Installation, CPBJH JV and Herrenknecht AG. • New Technology: Machine, Tool, Material, System or Technique: AdaptX – OptionX Group.

• Menno Henneveld Person of the Year: John Bower – Independent Civil Solutions.

• Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year: John Rutherford – HDI Lucas.

• Trenchless Woman of the Year: Andrea Edny – SYSTRA Bamser.

• ASTT presented training courses for industry participants that provided learning opportunities in trenchless subjects.

• The presentation of ASTT Life Membership to Jeff Pace.

Brisbane to promote our industry. It was great to catch up with many of you again.

Together, with the ASTT Councillors, I thank you to those who attended in

Trevor Gosatti ASTT Secretary

ISTT No-Dig Conference, Mexico The next International Society for Trenchless Technology's (ISTT) 39th annual No-Dig Conference and Exhibition is being held in Mexico City, Mexico on October 17-18 2023. It is set to promote trenchless technology in the emerging region of Mexico and Southern America.

Prior to the No-Dig Conference the ISTT International Council (made up of representatives of the 28 affiliated societies) will meet and discuss the business of the ISTT. ASTT to bid for 2026 ISTT No-Dig Conference – Auckland, New Zealand The ASTT advises that it intends to bid for the 2026 International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition at the ISTT International Council Meeting at the upcoming Mexico City Conference.

The ASTT proposes to submit a bid to hold the 2026 event in Auckland, New Zealand at the New Zealand International Convention Centre located in Auckland, currently under construction.

Should the ASTT be successful in obtaining the rights to hold the 2026 ISTT International No-Dig Conference and Exhibition in Auckland, it will be a fantastic opportunity to promote and showcase the vibrant trenchless technology community in the Australasian region, particularly in New Zealand

10 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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11/09/2023 1:55:43 PM

NEW ZEALAND

Councillor’s Report Kia ora koutou!

To say it’s been a challenging six to 12 months would, in a lot of cases, be a gross understatement. A number of once-ina-lifetime meteorological and climatic events throughout New Zealand have been devasting, both in times of lives lost, damage to property and the environment.

The next few months look to be just as challenging, albeit let’s hope and pray, not with the same consequences. Whether it be the state of the economy, that can’t decide if it is in a recession or still inflationary, or the promises (and threats) that come with a general election, and the uncertainty they bring.

Whatever is the case, one thing is certain, trenchless technology will have a key role to play in the resultant actions. Through recovery, building resilience or general infrastructure construction, trenchless will be to the fore and the NZ industry is ready, willing, and more than able to take up any and all challenges.

The articles in this New Zealand focused magazine edition showcase those abilities and attributes from the value of ECI in a critical sewer renewal in a challenging CBD environment, to cutting-edge trenchless technology used to address the unique challenges posed by the country’s landscape, as well as case studies demonstrating the practical application

12 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

of trenchless methods – this edition is about shining a light upon New Zealand’s trenchless technologies capabilities.

As you read this article, No-Dig Down Under 2023 will have wrapped, we will have celebrated the successes of the Australasian industry and already be thinking of 2025 and how we can improve and make it better, for more value to all our members.

I hope to have caught up with a number of you over there, be it presenting, in the exhibition hall or at a social event.

I am always very proud to be the New Zealand Councilor, representing yourselves and standing tall with our achievements, proving size isn’t everything.

As strange as it sounds and feels in midOctober, Christmas will be upon us (again), in less than eight weeks and that time will fly by. So, for those I don’t get a chance to see before then, I wish you and your whānau a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing time, catching up with family and friends.

Look after yourselves and one another.

Until then, I hope you keep well, and that life remains calm and peaceful.

Mā te wā.

Blair Telfer ASTT Vice President & New Zealand Councillor

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UNDER NEW ZEALAND

Punching above its weight An array of recent trenchless projects and prowesses show how much New Zealand has mastered trenchless techniques, methods and technologies, making them the perfect solutions adapted to its diverse terrain.

New Zealand’s landscape is splendid, but also extremely diverse; this is why trenchless technology is the perfect solution for this country’s fragile environment.

P

ukekohe project wrapped up in NZ The Watercare Service’s Pukekohe wastewater treatment plant was successfully completed in New Zealand.

Watercare engaged McConnell Dowell and HEB Construction to upgrade the treatment plant in order to support population growth in Franklin and improve water quality into the Waikato River.

The additional reactor and activated sludge treatment technology provides more capacity and improves downstream water quality.

Construction began in 2019 across two separate portions with portion A involving inlet works, activated sludge reactor, membrane bio reactors and interconnection pipework and electrical works.

Portion B focused on decommissioning the old system including two SBR tanks and converting them into new continuous flow ASR tanks.

The team constructed 4120m of underground pipework and 7820m of stainless steel pipework above ground across the whole project.

The new technology improved water quality in the Parker Lane Stream and the Waikato River, a key driver for Watercare.

Watercare Services to improve Auckland waterways Watercare Services has confirmed it will be undertaking improvements to Auckland waterways thanks to an eight-metre-wide fibre-glass shaft liner.

In the early hours of the morning in March, Auckland lit up like a Christmas tree while a package was delivered by a truck.

14 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

The first pieces of the 8m-wide fibre-glass shaft liner was transported from the Port of Auckland to Watercare’s Central Interceptor May Road site.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve transported fibre-glass liners under the cover of darkness, but this one is by far the biggest,” the Watercare Services team shared on a LinkedIn post.

The fibre-glass liner helps the shaft, which is a huge hole in the ground, that connects to the tunnel underneath and keeps its formation, slowing the transfer of wastewater.

Hynds decreases client’s carbon footprint in Christchurch Hynds Pipe Systems had a double-win, increasing pipe capacity and reducing the carbon footprint for a client on the Hayton Road project in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The project was aiming to use a 900mm diameter pipe with an in-wall joint.

Hynds Pipe Systems identified that changing to a 1000mm pipe, with a belled socket joint, would reduce the carbon footprint of the project while simultaneously increasing the pipe’s capacity.

The immediate result was a 29 per cent reduction in carbon footprint.

As a result, this reduced weight of the product (35 per cent lighter) also meant that fewer trucks were required, further increasing the benefits.

The privately owned Hynds Group of Companies is New Zealand’s premier product supplier for the management of water and water-based waste in the civil and rural infrastructure markets.

Central Interceptor hits pre-Christmas milestone Watercare’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Central Interceptor project in New Zealand has completed its undersea crossing of Manukau Harbour.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the TBM bored a 1500m stretch of 4.5 diameter tunnel between 15m and 20m below the seabed.

The TBM required 15 crews on a 24/7 schedule working underground to make the 11-week crossing smoothly.

Watercare’s Executive Program Director, Shayne Cunis, said that the successful crossing is due to the expertise of the tunnelling teams.

“It’s a big relief to get this done successfully, and the fact that it comes just before Christmas means everyone can enjoy a well-earned holiday break,” he said.

Since beginning its crossing in August 2021, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi has travelled more than four kilometres from the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant to its breakthrough on the far side of the harbour.

Only 330m of tunnelling remains for the first link sewer before Domenica begins the second next year.

End of the line for CRL TBM Tunnelling works for Auckland’s CRL have been completed with the final breakthrough of the TBM at Te Waihorotiu Station (Aotea).

Over the duration of the project, the TBM bored a total of 3.2km of tunnels, placed over 2000 segment rings and removed more than 260,000 tonnes of spoil.

The TBM is an earth pressure balance machine, meaning it is able to stabilise the earth it excavates to reduce impact on the surface. It has a 7.15m diameter, weighs 910t and is 7.15m in length.

The Dame Whina Cooper is now in the process of being lifted out. Despite being custom built for the CRL project, pieces of the equipment will be returned to Germany where manufacturers Herrenknecht AG will repurpose them for future machines.

The 75t cutter head was removed last week, while the shield is being dismantled into six pieces that will each be crane-lifted above ground for removal.

A large amount of the steel reclaimed from the machine is bound for a local recycling yard so that it can be reused by the community.

When fully operational, it is believed that 54,000 passengers per hour will utilise CRL stations during peak periods – around double its current capacity.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s Central Interceptor tunnel project reaches halfway mark Watercare’s ’Hiwi-i-te-Rangi’ tunnel boring machine was launched on a sunny mid-winter’s day in Auckland, in 2021, one week before the annual All Blacks versus Wallabies Bledisloe Cup rugby clash.

N

ow two years later, another Bledisloe Cup clash over and despite COVID-19, major storm events, global supply shortages and inflation, she has just achieved a historic breakthrough marking the halfway point of her 14.7km-long underground journey to central Auckland.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is a cluster of stars which appears during Matariki, Māori New Year and is known as the “wishing star” used for setting dreams or aspirations for the new year ahead.

The name was chosen by students attending schools along the tunnel route.

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) broke through safely into shafts A and B at a site on May Road, Mt Roskill in the last week of August to loud cheers from assembled staff, who watched the activity on a screen via a live link .

She will tunnel almost 500m before pausing to allow crews to relocate the tunnelling services from the current site in the southern suburb of Māngere to May Road, before she begins the second stage of the programme, to Grey Lynn, central Auckland.

Watercare Central Interceptor Executive Programme Director Shayne Cunis said everyone deserved to savour the moment.

“We all deserve to savour this moment,” Cunis said.

“We’re on track to deliver this project in 2026 as planned despite everything that has been thrown at us. And most importantly, the project is being delivered safely.

“I am incredibly proud of the expertise and skills that have been shown by all team members to get us to this point. We’re well

The TBM broke through safely into shafts A and B at a site on May Road, Mt Roskill.

on our way to achieving our goal of creating a major infrastructure asset that’s going to result in cleaner waterways for the people of Auckland for generations to come.”

The Central Interceptor is the largest wastewater project in New Zealand history and is being delivered by a joint venture made up of Ghella (Italy) and Abergeldie (Australia). The Watercare team is boosted by staff from Jacobs, with more than 600 construction crew working on 16 sites across Auckland.

Initial studies for the Central Interceptor project began back in 2009 prompted by environmental concerns over the health of central Auckland waterways.

Most of the city had separated stormwater and wastewater networks, but older suburbs still had combined systems, which overflowed into streams and beaches during heavy rain.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi Tunnel Boring Machine has travelled more than 7km.

16 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Watercare’s solution was to build a giant 4.5m diameter underground tunnel to capture combined flows and send them to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.

The Central Interceptor project would also provide redundancy to aging and vulnerable assets, such as the Western Interceptor, which services western suburbs, as well as provide increased capacity to meet future growth for the city, whose current population sits at 1.7 million.

After a robust international tendering process, the contract was signed and construction began in 2020.

Maybe a subhead here to break up the text?

The main tunnel runs uphill from the Māngere treatment plant to the central city at depths between 20m and 110m, conveying sewer flow to a 7.2m3/s capacity pump station.

Sixteen drop shafts, mostly of the cascade type, drop flows from shallow connections to the deep link sewers and main tunnel. Inflows to the tunnel are limited via automated gates at most of the shallow connections to the existing network.

At its downstream end, the tunnel invert is at 32m depth as it enters the pump station before flow is lifted to the surface twin rising main.

Watercare Tunnel and Shafts Delivery Manager Jon Sickling said Auckland’s volcanic geology dictated the tunnel route.

“Auckland has 53 volcanic cones and basalt craters,” he said.

“Most of the geology is typically East Coast Bays Formation (ECBF), which comprises an alternating sedimentary sequence of sandstones and siltstones-mudstones.

“The beds tend to be less than one metre thick and are usually very weak to weak rock, although some lenses of harder Parnell Volcaniclastic Conglomerate occur.

NEW ZEALAND

“Earth Pressure Balance TBMs have been used through ECBF on at least four tunnelling operations in the last 15 years, so the decision was made to secure one from Herrenknecht for the Central Interceptor project.”

The TBM built was built at Herrenknecht’s Hamburg facility with several requirements including a 9bar operating pressure, catering for hydrostatic pressures of up to 8.7bar under the high cover section of the alignment.

The TBM was required to have either two screws, or a single screw plus supplementary means to manage the maximum pressure down to routine dynamic operating pressures. It also had to have an airlock maximum operating pressure of 5bar, to facilitate hyperbaric cutterhead interventions. The EPB screw discharge required to be equipped with double discharge gates.

The tunnel itself is made from precast segments with a cast-in polyethylene membrane liner, to protect against the corrosive effects of wastewater. More than 50,000 segments are made by an Auckland family-owned company, who purpose-built a factory with the Central Interceptor in mind.

The Central Interceptor project also includes two link sewers, which intersect the main tunnel and collect flows from West Auckland suburbs. The first is a 3.3km-long sewer at 2.1m ID, and the second 1.1km-long at 2.4m ID. Both tunnels are pipe-jacked using Domenica, a 12m long, Earth pressure balance (EBP) microtunnell boring machine (MTBM).

The MTBM crew celebrated their final breakthrough of Link Sewer C in March, in the western suburb of Avondale.

This milestone marked the end of a challenging period of tunnelling which began in May 2021 and spanned COVID-19 lockdowns and stringent quality assurance requirements.

Watercare delivery manager Chris McCarthny said going into the project, the team knew there were going to be challenges but an experienced tunnelling crew and favourable ECFB were on their side.

The Central Interceptor will serve Auckland’s wastewater for more than 100 years.

Segmental lining with cast-in polyethylene membrane.

“The first drive was a learning curve, which had the deepest launch shaft, and highest groundwater pressures, and then mid-way through the drive we had to segregate teams to meet COVID-19 rules for safe ways of working,” he said.

“Once we were onto the second drive, the team went from strength to strength and thereafter vastly exceeded production rates, which resulted in the completion of Link Sewer C ahead of schedule.”

The tunnel involved a curved 1200m long drive, one of the longest single pipejacking drives ever completed in New Zealand.

A design change saw the removal of a proposed drop shaft at Whitney Street, Blockhouse Bay. This had significant benefits for the local community as it avoided a length full road closure, while also having significant sustainability, cost and programme benefits for the project.

However, this had to be weighed against the added risk of pipejacking this distance with a EPB machine which requires staff to operate the m-TBM at the head of the tunnel which exceeded industry recommendations.

McCarthny said the decision to take on the 1200m drive was not taken lightly.

“There was considerable planning and preparation involved,” he said.

“We performed numerous emergency drills and discussions with safety regulators and senior management of all parties involved before the final decision was made to proceed.”

Tunnelling on a second link sewer in the suburb of Mt Albert began in early August. It will feature two drives and will be completed next year.

Link Sewer B will take flows from the Orakei sewer main and put an end to wet-weather overflows into well-loved Auckland waterways such as Meola Creek.

Meanwhile, work is progressing well on the 7.2m3/s capacity Māngere Pump Station, adjacent to the treatment plant.

Inflow pipes are being installed and pumps arrive mid-August.

Section one of the main tunnel (running from May Rd south) and both link sewers are set for commissioning by mid-2024.

Shayne Cunis said progress was being keenly watched by his colleagues in the Watercare Operations team.

“Resilience was always a key driver for this project, as well providing for growth and environmental benefits,” he said.

“Getting the southern section up and running as quickly as possible, will take pressure off the Western Interceptor and allow maintenance teams to carry out their work.

“We won’t see a significant reduction in wet-weather overflows until the tunnel reaches central Auckland but until then, we’ll enjoy the greater resiliency the Central Interceptor will provide.”

Planning for celebrations to mark the halfway point for the main tunnel are being planned.

There’s no guarantee that Auckland will put on the same sunny conditions that everyone enjoyed on Hiwa-i-te-Rangi’s launch day. But there’ll be no shortage of warm smiles, whatever the temperature.

“Ki te ora te wai, Ka ora te whenua, Ka ora te tangata,” said the team at Watercare.

“The wellbeing of our customers and communities depends on us looking after our water sources. Because when the water is healthy, the land and the people are nourished.”

For more information, visit www.watercare.co.nz OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 17

NEW ZEALAND

The McConnell Dowell team onsite at the St Marys Bay water quality improvement project.

Lessening impacts on the Auckland community In recent times New Zealand has been hit with challenging weather, resulting in a stormwater management crisis, especially in the urban areas of Auckland.

M

cConnell Dowell has a proud history in the delivery water infrastructure, including stormwater pipeline renewals and upgrades required to accommodate unprecedented rainfall intensities and increasing runoff generated by urban intensification.

Three recent projects at, or near completion, showcase the role of trenchless construction in stormwater pipeline construction to minimise disruption to neighbours and enhance the built and natural environment.

St Marys Bay water quality improvement project Completed in 2020, the St Marys Bay water quality improvement project involved the purchase of a Herrenknecht AVN1800 microtunnel boring machine (MTBM) to construct 1100m of deep storage tunnel under some of the oldest, narrowest and most densely populated streets in Auckland.

The pipeline intercepts stormwater and wastewater overflows, reducing discharges to St Marys Bay and Masefield Beach by 95 per cent.

The high flows generated by rainfall events are now stored in the new larger capacity pipeline and pumped back into the sewer network when there is capacity while extreme but highly diluted flows are screened and discharged offshore via a new outfall pipeline.

General Manager Engineering – New Zealand & Pacific Islands Daniel Patten said 18 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

the team came up with creative shaft designs to limit the site footprints and ensure they were strategically located.

“Planning the delivery and access for large machinery including the TBM was critical as the streets are narrow and steep, and one shaft was required at the entrance to a cul de sac,” he said.

“Construction sequencing was also planned in detail to help minimise the diameter of each shaft. Once tunnelling was complete the team deconstructed the TBM underground and brought it to the surface in three pieces.”

This meant the London Street shaft could be reduced from 10m in diameter to 3m, lessening the impact on access around it.

The shafts were also constructed using secant piles installed by continuous flight auger (CFA) drilling methods, the machinery being located far from properties and controls like noise walls and monitoring helping further minimise noise and vibration.

“Using a method, we have implemented successfully on another outfall project, the marine pipeline was constructed at a coastal site on the Firth of Thames. Once complete, it was towed to Auckland, floated into position, and then lowered onto a prepared trench on the sea floor,” Patten said.

“By reducing the amount of time we spent on the harbour constructing the marine section of the pipeline and on the sea floor dredging and installing it, disruption to

marine life was kept to a minimum.”

Corban Reserve stormwater upgrade project The Corban Reserve stormwater upgrade project involved the installation of a new 713m stormwater pipeline under Border Road in West Auckland using a 2100mm diameter MTBM. The existing stormwater network between Corban Reserve, Murillo Reserve and Border Road Esplanade Reserve in Henderson could not cope during heavy rain causing localised flooding, property damage, and impacting on water quality in Opanuku Stream.

As a result, a new, larger diameter pipe along Border Road was needed to be installed to increase the capacity of the network, reduce flooding, and improve water quality in the stream.

McConnell Dowell successfully constructed a new pipeline network from Imperial Place to Border Road Esplanade Reserve along Border Road.

The company also constructed a low flow pipeline to connect the main pipeline to Murillo Reserve, to maintain the health of the Waitaro Stream, and upgraded the pedestrian bridge between Spode Place and Imperial Place as part of a wide range of hard and soft landscaping to enhance the public amenity and natural environment.

Patten said further resilience and

NEW ZEALAND

environmental enhancement will follow in stages two and three of the scheme when the old Corban Reserve stormwater pipeline is decommissioned, removing a source of landfill gas and leachate in the network, and further planting and existing culvert upgrades are completed.

“Major rainfall events in early and mid-2023 meant the value of the new stormwater tunnel was well and truly proven prior to our planned completion and commissioning” Patten said.

The AVN1800 MTBM used on the St Marys Bay project in 2020 was upcycled by upskinning to AVN2100 dimensions and adapted to accommodate the tricky soft soil conditions encountered on the shallow alignment required for this project .

Patten said this project is an environmentally complex build with residents, local schools, native wildlife and fauna, and park users all neighbouring the three worksites.

The project team has carefully designed the methodology and construction program to consider the intricate ecological and man-made surroundings and delivered the works to a very high standard.

A Herrenknecht AVN1800 microtunnel boring machine.

Ports of Auckland outfall upgrade project With an overall goal of improving Auckland’s stormwater network and resilience, Patten said the project, funded by the Auckland Unitary Plan, was in Auckland Council’s pipeline for a number of years.

“We are pleased to be constructing this important infrastructure for downtown Auckland,” he said. “The innovative design developed in collaboration with Auckland Council through early contractor involvement is an inverted siphon (U-bend shaped pipe), with the horizontal trenchless section at 3m in diameter and 270m long completed by McConnell Dowell’s AVN2500 MTBM. McConnell Dowell has outlined that this enabled installation within underlying East Coast Bays Formation sand/mudstone to avoid significant risks associated with a hybrid of conventional trenched and shallow trenchless construction within reclaimed land.

This horizontal section connects two shafts, the inlet shaft south of Quay Street and the outlet shaft in the Ports of Auckland site that connects to a marine outfall channel that exits through the existing quayside sheet pile wall.

Once complete, the new outfall will increase the stormwater network’s capacity and improve the resilience of downtown Auckland’s infrastructure.

“The improved network will also mitigate flood risk for properties in the downtown area, including Britomart train station,” Patten said.

“This stormwater outfall upgrade draws on McConnell Dowell’s extensive track record in marine outfall construction using trenchless methodologies.”

For more information, visit www.mcconnelldowell.com

The Ports of Auckland outfall upgrade project.

OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 19

NEW ZEALAND

Local knowledge, Taranaki proud PipeTech has been New Zealand owned and operated since 2003, working within its home region of Taranaki to improve the underground districts.

PipeTech has more than 15 years experience working inTaranaki, New Zealand.

T

hrough its work with local districts, PipeTech has provided cost-effective solutions to pipeline repairs and rehabilitation for councils and rate payers.

Born and bred Taranaki, Managing Director Rowan Burgess said the company is proud to be local and supplying resolutions to its local councils.

“From inception, PipeTech has seen an opportunity to provide a smart, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional small bore pipe rehabilitation methods,” he said.

For more than 15 years the company has been relining for New Plymouth District Council and South Taranaki District Council, and Stratford District Council which makes up the Taranaki region.

“We have been the primary relining company for all three councils for this period.

And due to our locality, we can reduce costs for all of them through reduced mobilisation costs compared to relining companies coming from Auckland and other major bases to the region,” Burgess said.

“Trenchless relining pipe rehabilitation is significantly lower than excavating and relining options and we can replenish the lifespan of the pipeline for an additional 50-100 years without the timely and more expensive option of excavating and relaying a new pipeline.

Let alone the disruption to communities and local businesses.”

A NPDC spokesperson said Pipetech has helped the Taranaki region in many ways in restoring its reticulation network.

“The work done thus far in our region has helped reduce reticulation constraints in 20 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

storm and wastewater reticulation. The current performance of the product is helping NPDC to quick fixes where the time in renewals is not an option,” the spokesperson said.

When the company initially started work for NPDC it primarily did cured in-place pipe (CIPP) patching installs. However, over time PipeTech has grown its product range available to the market to specialise in uPCV fold and form today.

Burgess said it will cost this option 80 per cent of the underground network in New Zealand that will require repairs since installation of the Asbestos cement and earthenware pipe are 300mm and below.

“Hence, Pipetech targeting this as our primary market. This being said, we have expanded our capabilities recently due to client demand to 375mm, 450mm and even 600mm uPVC relining,” he said.

“We have also grown our additional lateral relining options for clients into 100-225mm CIPP inversion lining. This is primarily lateral lining from private homes to the mainlines we have already lined in the carriageways.

Targeting the infiltration issues most councils are having of processing groundwater at the treatment plant instead of 100 per cent wastewater. Ultimately costing councils, and rate payers in this process.”

Building off the company philosophy of being customer focused, seek sustainable solutions, and exceed expectations, PipeTech has also completed numerous relining projects for STDC. Burgess told Trenchless Australasia that he received word from STDC commending PipeTech for its speed of installation and

resolution of underground pipeline issues from infiltration and root ingress into its pipeline assets.

As a result, this has led to reduced pumpstation and overflow issues resulting in decreased public complaints and discharge issues due to the work PipeTech had carried out to date.

Following another installation project for Stratford DC, Burgess has received feedback that PipeTech’s efficiency and being able to come in and take over a job, self-manage and reduce the workload from council’s three water teams has been achieved.

The AM-LINER II & ASOE FFPP uPVC are their exclusive product range where PipeTech is the sole licensee distributor in New Zealand. The uPVC fold & form lining is true trenchless technology. This means: no digging – so less time on the job, and decreased community costs – with fewer interruptions, and fewer hazards.

Off the back of the company’s ongoing success, it has also received the BUILD Construction and Engineering award for leading trenchless pipeline rehabilitation provider in New Zealand for 2023.

This follows the PipeTech installing its first 450mm uPVC pipeliner of 48m in length for NPDC in a failing stormwater drain.

“It is our business to deliver quality to customers. Continuous improvement is our mantra which leads to enhancement of our technology and materials for all our products and services,” Burgess said.

For more information, visit www.pipetech.net.nz

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NEW ZEALAND

Hynds delivers on wastewater tunnel project Hynds Pipe Systems has proven its ability as a leading supplier for water infrastructure through its work on a major New Zealand project.

The Central Interceptor a large wastewater infrastructure project in New Zealand.

W

atercare is building a 14.7 km underground wastewater tunnel called the Central Interceptor from Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant to Grey Lynn, central Auckland.

The 4.5m diameter main tunnel is being dug by a large Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) called Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Two smaller link sewers will intersect the main tunnel.

Ghella Abergeldie JV is delivering the project.

Construction is taking place at 16 sites across Auckland and involves the excavation of 17 shafts and associated infrastructure.

Around 500 staff are working on the $1.2 billion project, which is due for completion in 2026. It is one of the largest wastewater infrastructure project in New Zealand history and will leave a legacy of cleaner waterways by reducing around 80 per cent of wet-weather overflows in central Auckland.

This will be achieved by capturing combined stormwater and wastewater flows and sending them to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.

A total of 17 shafts will be constructed along the tunnel route, with the Mount Albert shaft utilising precast concrete caisson segments supplied by Hynds Precast, a division of Hynds Pipe Systems.

The Mount Albert volcanic cone site has a 39m deep by 8m diameter shaft, with the first 27m constructed using precast concrete segments.

Hynds Precast secured the license to manufacture precast concrete caisson segments ranging from 6m to 18m in diameter in New Zealand, partnering with Macrete.

Macrete, established in 1979, specialises in the precast concrete engineering industry, operating extensively in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The company offers concrete civil solutions, covering sea defence, civil engineering, railway infrastructure, water, wastewater, and utility sectors.

Initially, concrete segments were imported from Ireland, allowing production to commence in New Zealand as soon as moulds were available, while adhering to the tight schedule.

Caisson segmental shaft construction stands out for its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and safety when creating below-ground chambers of up to 27m in diameter.

This method is particularly suited for situations where the native ground lacks stability.

It involves the fitting of a steel cutting edge at the base of the first concrete segment ring, and the shaft is then pushed downward from the surface using hydraulic jacks, as the native ground is being excavated.

The shaft construction progresses ring by ring

until the desired depth is reached.

At this site, six hydraulic jacks (with a total force of 150 tonnes) were used by the construction team to reach the solid rock formation known as the East Coast Bays Formation.

This construction technique eliminated the need for expensive internal shuttering or pile driving. Once all rings were in place, a safe working environment was established for construction crews to build the shaft base.

Hynds Pipe Systems is the flagship company within the privately owned Hynds Group of Companies, founded in 1973 by John and Léonie Hynds.

This year marks the company’s 50th anniversary. The Hynds Group supplies products for stormwater, wastewater, roading, and water management to the New Zealand civil and rural infrastructure markets. The group consists of nine business units involved in metal, concrete, plastic manufacturing, product importation, distribution, and trade supply.

For more information, visit www.hynds.co.nz Hynds Precast secured the license to manufacture precast concrete caisson segments.

22 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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The Corban Reserve Stormwater Upgrade project team ready to start tunnelling on Border Road

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NEW ZEALAND

The kwik solution for New Zealand In the trenchless industry, kwik-ZIP’s large range of spacers have come to facilitate a variety of carrier and casing pipe size combinations, providing flexibility to deal with project requirements.

I

n recent years, use of kwik-ZIP’s spacers have expanded internationally, including them being successfully installed on two significant New Zealand projects.

In June 2020, kwik-ZIP was contracted by HEB Construction for spacers to be installed as part of the Waiari trunk watermain project located in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. kwik-ZIP General Manager Paul Jeffreys said the spacers were installed around the circumference of a 710mm PE pipeline to ensure the newly installed PE pipeline would sit centre while pulling the pipeline through a 1040mm steel jacking pipe.

“By using the kwik-Zip spacers, HEB Construction have avoided any potential damage to the PE pipe on installation and protected against any future damage caused by the steel jacking pipe coming in to contact with the newly installed PE pipeline,” he said. kwik-ZIP spacers have no metal parts and are made from kwik-ZIP’s engineered

HDXT 103 utilised on the Waiari Trunk Watermain project.

thermoplastic blend which is flexible, tough and has a low co-efficient of friction.

HEB Construction selected the kwik-ZIP brand due to the easy and quick installation with the screw lock system.

Jefferys said this was key due to the complexity of working below ground level.

“If the installation was to take longer or was more complex it could have created delays for the drillers pulling the pipeline through the jacking pipe, and therefore caused knock on delays for the project,” he said.

“At either end of the jacking pipe, HEB Construction installed one kwik-ZIP pipe spacer. The spacers were then installed at intervals between each end, to avoid any sagging in the pipeline.”

Following the success of the 2020 installation, HEB Construction used kwik-ZIP spacers again in October 2021 as part of the Te Maunga Outfall pipeline project located in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Spacers for this project were supplied by kwik-ZIP’s New Zealand distributor Blick Group. Blick service the New Zealand market and are based in Hamilton, with warehouse located in Hamilton, Tauranga, and Christchurch.

Jeffereys said the spacers were installed around the circumference of a 1200mm PE pipeline to ensure the newly installed PE pipeline would sit centre while pulling the pipeline through a 100m-1500mm existing concrete duct under the TEL. “HEB Construction successfully used the

kwik-ZIP on the Waiari Pripeline Project in 2020 due to the easy and quick installation with the screw lock system. This was a key part of the project, and we needed the certainty during installation.”

Jefferys explained that due to site personnel having previous experience using kwikZIP, and following the installation guide, it ensured the product was used correctly and efficiently. kwik-ZIP worked closely with HEB Construction to provide appropriate technical support during both projects. kwik-ZIP’s HDX/HDXT spacer system series are aligned with the company’s ethos to provide simple, cost-effective, and highquality solutions. Manufactured and designed to be utilised on and in many types of pipes, including corrugated pipe installations, the HDX/HDXT series are one of the most versatile and adaptable spacers on the market.

The use of kwik-ZIP products helps contractors to comply with the numerous regulations which require casing centralisers or pipe spacers (slippers or spiders), including wastewater and sewerage codes as well as well construction standards.

Since its inception in 2000, kwik-ZIP has been designing centralisers and spacers systems for a wide range of applications across many different industry sectors. Available in various product series (HDXT, HDX, HD, GT, and 155), each series is available with varying bow/runner heights, making these highly flexible products.

R R

A C c c E y

Close up of HDXT 103’s utilised on Te Maunga Landward Section outfall project.

For more information, visit www.kwikzip.com or for New Zealand customers contact one of the friendly Blick team at www.blick.group 24 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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NEW ZEALAND

More than just a pipe: Queen St wastewater project to benefit from Enterprise Model Trenchless Australasia sat down with WSP’s Work Group Manager for Water William Chan to chat about the Queen Street wastewater project in Auckland’s city centre.

“I

t’s more than just a pipe,” Chan said.

“Positioning a large pipe beneath one of New Zealand’s busiest streets, 20m underground, will be no easy feat.”

“Chock-a-block with existing underground utilities, thousands of residents, local businesses, pedestrians, and constant traffic, the site was a challenging place to engineer and construct in.”

The client is Watercare, a major utility company that provides water and wastewater services to 1.7 million Aucklanders.

Carried out as part of Watercare’s Enterprise Model, the project prioritises collaboration and early contractor involvement (ECI).

It cleaves to Watercare’s 40:20:20 vision, which aims to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in built carbon, 20 per cent cost savings, and 20 per cent improvement in health, safety and well-being.

WSP planners and engineers are responsible for the project’s design and consenting, with Fulton Hogan as the construction partner – both Watercare Enterprise Model partners – with sub-contractor McConnell Dowell advising the design of tunnelling works along Queen Street.

The new pipe will complement Queen Street’s existing wastewater system, reduce wastewater discharges into the environment, and provide increased capacity due to growth in the city’s Aotea precinct. With more intense rainfall predicted with climate change, the 1200mm-sized pipe will also help mitigate wastewater overflows.

Chan said the project team is currently focusing on the consent and detailed design phases, where the use of digital technology is playing a crucial role.

“Project services, design, contractor setups, and temporary works design will be integrated into a digital platform. This means the project team can test and challenge design ideas in a virtual environment before implementing them on-site – for a more efficient and safer outcome,” he said.

When construction starts early next year a hybrid combination of pipejacking and direct pipe methodologies will be used, allowing the entire 600-metre-long pipe to be installed in one uninterrupted drive.

“This trenchless technology will be instrumental in navigating a complex underground environment that includes old valleys and rock formations. And the use of

26 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

The Queen Street Project’s overall alignment.

push-fit sections will reduce construction time and costs,” Chan said.

The project is a golden opportunity for people like graduate water engineer Fawaz Farook to grow their professional capability.

Having been at WSP, he’s been involved in the project’s hydraulic design, BIM implementation for a digital twin, temporary works design, programme management, and stakeholder coordination.

With its careful planning and innovative project strategies, Chan said construction plans can be optimised, conflicts minimised, and work done with a minimum of fuss and disruption.

“By collaborating as part of Watercare’s Enterprise Model, the project is set to achieve significant value-adds. Reducing the size of the drill shaft at the Victoria Street intersection, for example, will minimise service diversions.”

Plus, health and safety will be improved by eliminating the need for human entry into live sewers. Well-coordinated efforts with other works in the area are expected to result in reduced costs and less disruption.

“We’re proud to be helping modernise Queen Street’s wastewater infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing city – while delivering lasting benefits to the community and environment,” said Watercare Project Manager Yukie Wang.

“This project represents all that is good about an ECI and epitomises the benefits of close collaboration between client, designer, contractor and specialists,” Jeremy Gordon, Fulton Hogan Project Manager said.

For more information, visit www.watercare.co.nz

NO-DIG DOWN UNDER

No-Dig Down Under 2023 took place at Brisbane’s Convention & Exhibition Centre.

No-Dig Down Under wraps up for 2023 Taking place at Brisbane’s Convention & Exhibition Centre, No-Dig Down Under 2023 brought together over 2400 attendees from the trenchless industry.

W

ith the theme of “Better outcomes through trenchless”, No-Dig Down Under 2023 was a conference to remember for all attendees.

The event, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s only large-scale conference dedicated to trenchless technology, showcased equipment and solutions from more than 100 exhibitors at its free trade show.

Organised in partnership with the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), the conference has grown to become the second largest no-dig technology event in the world.

Before the conference began, the ASTT hosted three training courses, where participants gained extensive knowledge about horizontal directional drilling (HDD), new installations methods and renovation of pipes by lining.

The courses saw industry experts present case studies and provided valuable insights into the topics.

All attendees earned continuing professional 28 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

development (CPD) points for attendance and completion of the courses.

This year, there were three themes guiding the conference stream and technical program: Rehabilitation, New Installation and Trenchless Services, Social & Environment.

Across the two-day show in September, the streams saw the participation of multiple speakers presenting case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging projects and environments, industry skills and training, risk management and more.

In addition to the conference and exhibition, there were plenty of opportunities for attendees to network and catch up with friends through the sold-out social events.

On Tuesday September 12, the Welcome Reception took place at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) before the Young People in Trenchless Networking event brought together younger members of the industry.

On Wednesday, September 13, Vermeer Australia proudly sponsored the Networking

Event at the waterfront Beergarden in Brisbane’s Southbank.

Attendees enjoyed drinks and food in a relaxed setting while networking with fellow colleagues and industry members.

On Thursday, September 14, the prestigious ASTT Awards and Gala Dinner, sponsored

by Rob Carr, brought together the trenchless industry to celebrate the outstanding work of their colleagues.

Read more about the winners below.

Rehabilitation Project of the Year Epsom Main Sewer Rehabilitation – Melbourne Water, John Holland – KBR Joint Venture, Interflow and Welltech Total Water Management.

The Epsom Main Sewer is part of a network transporting over 320,000 million litres of sewage a year.

CCTV found that 1.6km of sewer required relining to ensure it would operate for the next 50 years.

NO-DIG DOWN UNDER

The team used ultraviolet cured in-place pipe (CIPP) to reline the sewer and avoided the need to install deep shafts within the roadway, reducing the impact on the community.

The Rehabilitation Project of the Year winner of the Epsom Main Sewer Rehabilitation.

New Installation Project of the Year West Gate Tunnel Project – Cross Pipes Installation, CPBJH JV and Herrenknecht AG. Across February and May of 2023, two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) from Herrenknecht, named Bella and Vida, completed their mission for the West Gate Tunnel Project.

To link the two main tunnels with power and other small diameter services, a number of crossing points were required. Along with CPB Contractors, Herrenknecht designed the AVN 400 pipe jacking system, allowing access for other works and safe operation.

New Technology Award AdaptX – OptionX Group.

Designed by OptionX Group, AdaptX is a modular drilling machine that enables contractors to use a single machine for most drilling techniques.

These include vacuum, pressure air vacuum, slurry, HDD, displacement pilot and many more.

The capabilities extend beyond traditional drilling or tunnelling methods and offers additional functionalities such as pipe assist and pipe bursting.

Jeff Pace Young Person of the Year John Rutherford – HDI Lucas.

Since graduating from the University of Queensland in 2018, Rutherford has progressed from Project Engineer to Project Manager on many trenchless projects throughout the region.

When accepting the award, Rutherford

Menno Henneveld Person of the Year John Bower – Independent Civil Solutions.

thanked his clients and colleagues’ support.

“I’ve worked with some really great clients who taught me a lot about the industry and how projects should look,” Rutherford said.

“Thank you to the Spiecapag team and HDI Lucas team.

I’ve been given a lot of great opportunities at a pretty young age and a lot of support for that.”

Bower has been part of the trenchless industry for many years, including his work in HDD training presentations with the ASTT. He was also a previous member of the microtunnelling special interest group (SIG) and contributed to the SIG microtunnelling design guidelines.

Following the success of the 2023 conference, No-Dig Down Under is confirmed to return in 2025.

The team at Prime Creative Media and the ASTT thank everyone who helped make the event possible.

Trenchless Woman of the Year Andrea Edney – SYSTRA Bamser.

Edney holds over 20 years of civil engineering experience across underground infrastructure delivery.

She is also a senior member of the Trenchless Division at SYSTRA Bamser and leads junior engineers. Edney aso makes history as the first official winner of the newly added award.

To find out more about the conference, visit www.nodigdownunder.com

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OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 29

NO-DIG DOWN UNDER

Austeck’s No-Dig Down Under focus Trenchless Australasia spoke with Austeck Managing Director Tristan Day about the company’s stand and its experience at No-Dig Down Under 2023.

Austeck’s stand at the 2023 No-Dig Down Under.

S

pecialising in CCTV pipeline inspection, Austeck had five different pieces of equipment on display at its 2023 stand.

“We’ve had a good combination of products here from a few different manufacturers at different price points,” Day said.

“Because of the different specifications and performance capabilities, it’s proven to be successful at the show.

“We had more leads in the first two hours on the first day, than we did at the whole show last year.”

One product on display was Troglotech’s crawler system, with a few new modules.

Day said Austeck has represented Troglotech for around 20 years and built a solid relationship with them.

“The crawler system has been around for a few years, but the latest innovation is the lift arm, wheel extension and cable drum, and that’s been very popular,” he said.

Another piece was the Rausch full high definition (FHD) system, which provides sewer inspection data in FHD during both push and crawler operations.

“We’ve had a terrific response for the full HD,” Day said.

“Full HD is the next generation of camera equipment, and the industry is definitely heading in that direction.”

Acoustic blockage assessment was also on display, which gives users a pipe score on how clear the pipe is.

“Called the SL-Rat, which stands for Sewer Line - Rapid Assessment Tool, it comprises of a transmitter and a receiver that are placed above the upstream and downstream manholes and 30 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

then over the course of three minutes, it sends down sixteen tonal pulses at different frequencies, and then it gives you a score of how clear the pipe is,” Day said.

A zero score means the pipe is completely blocked, while a 10 means it is completely clear.

“Since it takes place so quickly, it gives you the ability to prioritise where to deploy other more time consuming technologies in a fraction of the

The Rausch full HD system.

time at a fraction of the cost,” he said.

“Seventy per cent of all survey work is done on good pipe and pipe you’re not really interested in because it’s functioning normally.

“You want to be looking at the 30 per cent that isn’t functioning as it should be, and that’s what this product establishes.”

With a range of different products across different applications, Austeck focuses on providing total solutions with cutting edge technology and ongoing consultancy from inspection, analysis, and evaluation to training, support and repair.

“It’s all very synergistic and it all works pretty well together,” Day said.

“Occasionally, we have customers that buy multiple systems across different ranges that we do, but normally they’ll be specific to one particular product.”

A pole camera which is used for quicker inspections was also on display at the stand.

With the success of the company’s stand at No-Dig Down Under 2023, Austeck is looking forward to continuing its service to customers.

“We ensure the success of our clients not just by our innovative systems but also through our quality after sales service,” Day said.

“It’s through this that we really ensure our clients’ productivity is our priority.”

For more information, visit www.austeck.com

Austeck Managing Director Tristan Day giving a demo at the Austeck stand.

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NO-DIG DOWN UNDER

CDE impresses at No-Dig Down Under Following the appearance of CDE’s G:MAX, a dual stage wet recycling system for solid/liquid waste at No-Dig Down Under 2023, the company has now sold the machine to horizontal directional drilling company, Tonagh Civil.

The Tonagh Civil team with the G:MAX machine.

The G:MAX machine at No-Dig Down Under 2023.

T

he two companies first met at the 2022 No-Dig Down Under event, forming a strong relationship.

“It’s been a great 12 months from initially meeting them to being able to display their new machine at this year’s show,” CDE Business Development Manager Jason Hartmann said.

Tonagh Civil, who predominately builds

The G:MAX dewatering machine is a dual-stage wet recycling system.

32 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

pipelines for various contractors throughout New South Wales (NSW), specialises in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and excavation.

The company operates HDD equipment which is capable of boring up to 500m.

“We’re very passionate about our work and have a high standard in doing it right the first time,” Tonagh Civil Managing Director Fergal Smith said.

“Working with CDE on acquiring the G:MAX is setting us up to venture into material processing and we’re excited to see what new business avenues this opens up.”

The G:MAX dewatering machine is a dualstage wet recycling system, which is highly versatile and can be used to process a range of solid/liquid wastes including road sweepings, gully waste, hydrovac waste and more.

With all essential processes housed on one chassis, CDE’s G:MAX is an all-in-one wet processing system with an integrated hopper for direct feeding, a split screen for separating products and an on-board control panel.

While it has numerous benefits, a crucial one is the economical savings.

“For our customers, it’s really about waste diversion and how they can do that successfully and efficiently,” Hartmann said.

“So instead of spending exorbitant dollars on disposing of the material, they’re charging

the received materials, then they clean it up and then sell the material back in the marketplace again.”

This year, CDE showcased the G:MAX machine for the first time at No-Dig Down Under 2023.

“This is the first time we brought a piece of machinery to any show in Australia,” Hartmann said.

“It’s been really exciting for us to be able to showcase our equipment to people and see their reaction to the scale of what we do and our offering.

The feedback from both customers and trade show attendees has been positive.

“We have received great feedback on our stand from our customers,” Hartmann said.

“We’ve been able to network with quite a few customers and some have come from New Zealand just for the show.

“It’s been nice to see that the show itself has such an attraction in the industry that people are flying in from around Australia and New Zealand to attend.”

With a strong installation base across Australasia, CDE is also happy to arrange live site demonstration visits for the system.

For more information, visit www.cdegroup.com

DELIVERING NO-DIG PIPE RELINING SOLUTIONS ACROSS NZ No need to halt your operations if you come across damaged assets. Nuflow offers cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) relining solutions that save you time and money. Backed by scientific, research and development experts, we can modify and tailor our products to find the right solutions for every job, no matter the size, scope, or location.

WHY CHOOSE NUFLOW? The only NZ pipe reliners who manufacture their own epoxies and lining materials.

Local professionals equipped for local problems and infrastructure.

Save your business from large costs and lengthen the life of your assets.

Benefit from up to 50 years * of manufacturing warranty.

WHAT WE OFFER CCTV Inspections and reports Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) and Spray-in-Place Pipe (SIPP) relining Water Main Pipe Relining Sewer and Stormwater Pipe Relining Manhole and Pit Rehabilitation High Pressure Drain Cleaning

DISCOVER OUR INNOVATIVE RELINING SOLUTIONS

Environmentally friendly, WMTS518:2016 approved structural reliner capable of handling temperatures up to 140°C and many different chemicals.

Our strongest relining system that is specifically designed to structurally repair built infrastructure where load-bearing capacity is critical *.

AS/NZ 4020:2005 approved solution for mains and highpressure potable water pipes, able to withstand pressures of up to 1800kpa *.

* Warranty subject to Liner engineering.

FIND YOUR LOCAL NUFLOW We have franchisees across NZ, so you can access our expertise wherever you are.

0800 168356

FINANCE

Communication and accessibility key to equipment finance

T

Finance Connections can provide financing for new and old vehicles.

Independently owned since establishment in 2006, Finance Connections has been providing specific equipment and vehicle finance to businesses for the past 18 years.

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inance Connections is committed to assisting the trenchless industry grow their businesses through smart acquisition methods.

This is reflected in the traditional values that define its service – attention to detail, honesty, integrity, and consistency to meet customers’ needs.

Co-Director Bryan Larkins spoke with Trenchless Australasia about how they realise there is no one size fits all in equipment finance.

“That is why Finance Connections best match your needs to a lender that is able to provide for your individual requirements, giving businesses more options when purchasing equipment,” he said.

“Our point of difference is that as brokers we are more responsive, provide more options via a network of lenders, and communicate every step of the way.”

Larkins said communication and accessibility has been instrumental in finding the perfect equipment finance solution for clients.

With the challenge of banks not being quick to respond, Larkins said Finance Connections has access to a variety of lenders that it constantly reviews and manages to best suit its clients’ requirements.

The term “equipment” refers to almost anything. A new or used vehicle, digital printing equipment, office equipment or even an aircraft.

34 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Finance Connections’ recent success story came from a client based in the Northern Territory who provided directional drilling services and cable and service locating.

Two years ago, the company was able to finance a large vacuum truck that was over 12 years old and $350,000 for the client.

“This finance can be tricky for a bank to do unsecured due to the age and price of the vehicle. We were able to demonstrate the revenue generated form this truck and how it is used, that assists a lender when they are considering approval,” Larkins said.

“His services extend from small residential home projects, such as putting in a pool, to large commercial-scale contracts, such as new housing estates or roadway developments.

“Our client works with a range of trades, including surveyors, electricians, plumbers, engineers, local councils, builders, civil construction companies, directional drilling contractors and defence contractors.”

Larkins added the company also provided financing for equipment to assist in locating services and cables GPR equipment.

Following the success of Finance Connections’ service for the NT-based client, it has been able to assist in the purchase of another business and more equipment such as several directional drills, trailers, trucks and GPR. “We make applying for business and equipment finance as fast and easy as possible – and ensure it gets approved as quickly and

smoothly as possible,” Larkins said.

“Our products include flexible and taxeffective chattel mortgages, rent to own, and leases.”

Finance Connections works with a variety of sized businesses, including contractors and sole traders. Equipment finance is a smart way to acquire the equipment needed, while preserving cash reserves.

Larkins and his team financially assisted a Queensland cables and service locating contractor who had been in business less than 12 months and wasn’t GST registered.

“We were able to provide finance of $25,000 for new GPR pinpoint equipment and accessories for him to get started and complete work he had to undertake,” he said.

“Again, we provided information to the lender of how this equipment generates revenue and how it is used, as well as information on the supplier.

“This gives the lender understanding of the return on investment on the equipment purchase.”

Larkins said by using finance preserves and the business cash flow it allows the business to use the lender’s money to purchase vehicles and equipment now and receive the tax benefits associated with that purchase.

For more information, visit www.financeconnections.com.au or call: 1800 506 010, Bryan on 0409 091 485, or Steve on 0410 665 496.

H

· · · · ·

TRENCHLESS INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

Australia-based operations with permanent local resources Fully integrated with our global team at international headquarters Multiple NASTT Project of the Year awards Horizontal Directional Drilling

Direct Pipe

· Completed record breaking 4.7km long HDD · 235 Intersect crossings completed since 2000 · 12 crossings completed over 3km since 2009 · Rigs available with push/pull capacity up to 815 tonne · Pipe Installations up to 1.5m

· 26 projects completed in the US and Canada since 2010 · Foremost Direct Pipe Contractor · Land-to-water outfalls · Pipe Installations up to 1.5m

founded in MichelsTrenchless.com.au 17,000 pieces 8,000 people Pioneering HDD of equipment

1300 464 243 Level 1 | 98 Murphy St | Wangaratta, VIC 3677

strong

since 1988

RELINING

From rust to robust: Nuflow Manawatu repairs corroded pipes on tanker terminal project When a $16 million upgrade was planned for Newton King Tanker Terminal’s fire protection system, Nuflow Manawatu’s spray-in-place pipe technology was critical in ensuring the project was completed on time, on budget, and in compliance with safety standards.

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he Newton Tanker Terminal in New Plymouth, New Zealand plays a vital role in the petrochemical sector and in Taranaki’s economy, estimated to contribute approximately NZD$550 million annually.

It handles an array of bulk liquids and petrochemical products like oils, liquefied petroleum gas and methanol, which are transported from onshore and offshore sites throughout the area, then pumped to specialised load-out facilities.

To do this effectively and safely, the terminal aims to operate to the highest possible safety standards, with frequent audits often placing them in the top 10 per cent worldwide. Its berths feature high-quality monitoring, safety, and firefighting systems that establish safe and efficient operations. The previous system was designed to fight potential fires by pumping seawater through a dedicated network of pipes, however the salt water had eroded the pipes over time and rendered the system non-compliant.

A repair and upgrade project was quickly greenlit to incorporate a top-of-the-line freshwater system. This would not only help keep hull temperatures low in the event of a fire, but also allow the system to avoid saltwater corrosion, requiring less maintenance and extending its lifetime.

Critical pipe repairs create a technical and costly challenge for the terminal As part of the $16 million project, creating the new system involved repurposing steel white oil pipelines to feed fresh water into the fire suppression cannons during an emergency.

However, in their current condition the corroded steel pipes would need repairs to prevent cracks and leaks and would inevitably feed rust through the cannons and into the ocean.

Unfortunately, the corroded pipes were positioned across the terminal in a such a way that they were hard to access and would require major works that would shut off key sections of the terminal. Repairs would ultimately prevent fuel unloading, which would impact supply in the region.

Luckily, one of the contractors onsite was a Nuflow Engineering Partner, so they knew exactly who to get in touch with.

36 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Nuflow Manawatu delivers unique and much needed approach When conventional pipe replacement was out of the question, Nuflow Manawatu was called.

The team began with a CCTV pipe inspection and identified that corrosion had impacted 120m of 250mm pipework, and 36m of 300mm pipework.

The pipe’s inaccessibility meant Nuflow couldn’t rely on traditional cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repair. However, it had another trick that would get the job done.

Nucoat, Nuflow’s spray-in-place pipe (SIPP) solution, features technology that allows technicians to spray epoxy resin on the interior of a pipe without needing a bladder or intrusive replacement work. Nucoat cures fast and can hold its own weight, making it the perfect solution for high pressure pipes used in fire suppression systems.

Nucoat’s fast and non-invasive application allowed the job to be completed in just two weeks without any obstructions to the terminal’s regular operations. Thanks to Nuflow’s fast acting and effective relining solution, the terminal was equipped with a new freshwater fire suppression system in The white oil pipeline has been repurposed and is ready to feed the emergency water cannons.

2022 that was more resistant to corrosion, able to handle greater water pressure and compliant with safety standards.

“The co-ordination between the various parties was fantastic,” Infrastructure General Manager John Maxwell said.

“It enabled the project to come in on time and on budget, and we thank them [Nuflow] for all their hard work.”

Bringing technology and innovation across New Zealand With these latest developments now in use, Nuflow shows no signs of slowing down. The comapny’s research and development (R&D) teams continue to seek out more efficient ways to work, bringing solutions to customers and better workflows to franchise partners.

As Nuflow continues to expand with more locations across New Zealand, the R&D team is expected to produce more long-lasting, high-quality, and innovative solutions over the next few years to address tomorrow’s plumbing and piping problems.

For more information, visit www.nuflow.net

ALL TERRAIN DRILL

AT120 THE WORLD’S LARGEST ALL TERRAIN DRILL.

THE NEW AT120 DIRECTIONAL DRILL

Loaded with 120,000 lbs (533.8 kN) of pullback/thrust and 15,500 ft-lbs (21015 N·m) of rotational torque, the AT120 not only opens you up to new types of jobs but moves through long bores and large diameter installs with eye-popping power.

Featuring All Terrain technology, a 280-hp (209 kW) Cummins® engine that reduces environmental impact without losing any power, and 3,000 ft·lbs (4067 N·m) of inner rotational torque providing a 50% increase over its predecessor the AT120 provides additional power to drill through the toughest terrain around.

Like to know more?

Contact your nearest branch today

1300 788 757 AUS 0800 435 269 NZ ditchwitchcea.com.au

RELINING

A spiral wound lining solution Aussie Trenchless’ SRP-EXP Spiral Lining System has proven its abilities for the rehabilitation of deteriorated sewer and stormwater mains.

SRP spiral site in Cairns.

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ussie Trenchless Director Chris Meredith has been developing systems for the trenchless industry since the company was established in 2014.

It’s through this innovation that Aussie Trenchless has supplied a wide range of unique products in Australia and globally.

One example is the SRP-EXP Spiral Lining System.

The “close fitting” PVC spiral ribbed trenchless solution is a structural designed to rehabilitate pipelines from DN150 to DN1200 using six different-sized profiles, making it the perfect for the rehabilitation of circular sewer and stormwater mains.

How it works The winding machine is first positioned into an access chamber or pit before it helically winds the SRP-EXP ribbed strip to produce a pipe within the existing pipeline.

Meredith said the SRP-EXP system is installed at a smaller diameter and then expanded to be a close fit against the internal surface of the existing pipe.

“During the initial wind-in process, the wind-in lock holds the spiral wound pipe tight at the initial smaller diameter,” he said.

“When the far end of the installation length is reached, the SRP-EXP Liner 38 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

end is then restrained, with the lock area sequentially released, so that the new pipe expands in a controlled manner until it is pressed hard against the inside wall of the existing pipe.”

One of the key benefits of the SRP EXP Spiral Lining System is that it can be

SRP MH Install.

installed under flow conditions, meaning less disruptions to the surrounding community.

“With no by-pass pumping needed, it is quick and efficient using a third-generation high quality profile to ensure ease of installation, providing a value-added outcome for the network owners,” he said.

RELINING

But what sets SRP-EXP from other spiral relining systems on the market?

According to Meredith, there are multiple benefits for both the client and installer.

“As spiral wound linings have high strength-to-weight ratio, the SRP-EXP System can handle a variety of pipe diameters,” he said.

“The installation process is entirely mechanical with no chemical or steam heating utilised during the process. It also has a relatively small site footprint.

“The SRP-EXP system is capable of negotiating displacement and slight bends with minimal site disruption. It also has minimal product material wastage, which can be recycled with ease.”

The system also stands the test of time, making it a durable solution for tight fitting lining projects.

“The SRP-EXP System is designed to last for at least 50 years,” Meredith said.

“This reduces maintenance costs for water authorities and local councils and provides flexibility for customers.”

The SRP-EXP system along with other spiral lining and pipe segment technology is available to all trenchless rehabilitation contractors through Aussie Trenchless.

For more information, visit www.aussietrenchless.com

SRP E20 D1200 Line.

SRP profile expansion.

SRP EXP Spiral Lining System Quick and easy to install The perfect rehabilitation solution for deteriorated sewer and storm water pipelines:

SRP EXP • • • • • • • • • • •

An expandable tight fitting liner No issues with high infiltration Negotiates displacements and slight bends Small site foot print Smooth to work with and install SRP EXP pipe is made from factory produced PVC profile strip Profile is supplied on large steel drums which are collapsible for easy reuse The minimal wastage is recyclable For DN150 to DN1200 pipe lines Mechanical installation – no chemical curing or steam heating Easily removed if site issues encountered

+61 418 691 989 U31/205 Port Hacking Road Miranda NSW 2228 PO Box 2386 Taren Point NSW 2229 enquiries@aussietrenchless.com

www.aussietrenchless.com OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 39

MICROTUNNELLING

OptionX Group CEO and founder Stuart Harrison at the company’s stand at No-Dig Down Under 2023.

Edge Underground grows with OptionX Group innovations Edge Underground has gained first access to a new machine, the AdaptX, built by Bournedrill.

S

A Riteline Centraliser.

40 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

ince the formation of OptionX Group just over 12 months ago, the venture has proven to be hugely beneficial for the companies involved.

Group CEO and founder, Stuart Harrison, formed OptionX Group in part to furnish Edge Underground with the technical and mechanical support it needed to operate more effectively in the industry.

The team at Edge Underground was instrumental in the development of the technology now being used for the AdaptX, and ensured the research and development phases were productive and successful.

For over two decades, Harrison has been a pioneer in the industry, creating a number of patented innovations.

This year, the AdaptX was crowned winner of the New Technology: Machine, Tool, Material, System or Technique category at the ASTT Awards in September.

A second innovation from OptionX Group, Riteline, was also a finalist in the same category.

Making an impact at No-Dig Down Under The strength and breadth of OptionX Group’s capabilities were on full display for the first time at the recent No-Dig Down Under Exhibition and Conference in Brisbane.

The brand new AdaptX Maxi was on display at the stand, and a significant number of attendees expressed interest in the partnership model offered by the company to gain access to the machine.

Edge Underground is currently enjoying exclusive use of the AdaptX, a benefit of being heavily involved in its development through OptionX Group.

The machine’s capabilities, which extend well beyond its microtunnelling function, have given Edge Underground an advantage in the field, including being able to complete installations faster and more accurately than ever before.

Another product featured heavily

by OptionX Group at the show was Riteline Centralisers. Like so much of what OptionX Group does, Riteline reduces and

P N le F

Ne

MICROTUNNELLING

eliminates the limitations of other similar products on the market.

In this case, Riteline Centralisers address the common frustrations around existing centralisers — inflexibility, excess stock and limited use.

Riteline is available in four different sizes, which can be used to create 34 different variants, and includes flexible and rigid opinions in sizes ranging from 30mm to 125mm.

The product is now in the final stages of WSAA approval and has successfully been used on several jobs, including for Sydney Water.

While not strictly a new product — over 100,000 units have already been produced and used in the field — Edge Underground was instrumental in the development of Riteline through testing and re-working prototypes to ensure the final product met all requirements.

Becoming the home of innovation Challenging the status quo is at the core of what OptionX Group does. Harrison explained the X in the business name serves to remind him and the team that they are solving the unknowns.

“We’ve always aimed to create options for whatever ‘X’ is,” Harrison said.

Stuart Harrison accepting the New Technology Award at the ASTT Awards.

“Whether that’s the microtunnelling challenge of changing ground conditions, or seeing wastage from existing centralisers, I’ve always believed the more options you have the more chance you’ve got for a successful project, so we’ll continue to create options and think outside the box.”

Harrison also believes the industry has been crying out for these innovations, and both new products, along with the work of Edge Underground, are attracting

high demand.

“It’s a huge honour to be a finalist in ASTT Awards, and the fact two products were recognised in the new technology category — with one of those named the winner — shows there is a need and a desire to embrace innovation within the industry,” he said.

The AdaptX will be available through a partnership model for contractors working in the industry, particularly in hard rock conditions.

For more information, visit www.adaptx.com.au, www.riteline.com.au, www.optionxgroup.com.au or www.edgeunderground.co

T. 06 755 0309 E. office@pipetech.net.nz www.pipetech.net.nz

PipeTech is New Zealand’s leading installer of Fold & Form Liner

New Zealand owned and operated since 2003

Why choose Pipetech?

· Reduced cost compared to traditional excavation techniques · Offer consulting and planning services to assist project planning & management · Deal with residents/public professionally · Quick installation to avoid inconvenience · Communication with no surprises · Quality of Liner/Patch/LJR guaranteed

PANELLOK MANHOLE RELINING SYSTEM

REHAB & REPAIR

Quick, easy, reliable – Impreg sets the tone for Australian customers Tough project timelines and close deadlines are no problem for Impreg as it continues to increase operations in Australia.

W

ith a new warehouse set up close to Sydney, a Service Technician and a Country Manager, the German company is well equipped to serve Australian customers – from plan through to installation and completion.

The company stands out by offering tailored solutions to each project, from design to onsite support. The needs of customers are top priority and accommodated by the whole Impreg team.

As with any project in any industry: there is no one size fits all solution. Trenchless sewer and pipe rehabilitation looks different to location, usage, and size.

Impreg prides itself with a cured inplace pipe (CIPP) liner that can be designed for any wall

thickness or irregular shapes, like ovoid or liner diameters that transition from one diameter to another in one section.

After an initial consultation to understand the project, host pipe condition, water table depth and static loads, Impreg is able to offer a design solution in a matter of days. After an extensive internal review, the team at Impreg is able to provide all the necessary calculations to the client and project engineer. The service continues through advisory on the appropriate UV equipment for each liner or project and logistical consultation where required.

Never alone: Onsite technical services to lead to success Impreg understands the complexity of projects

and offers to have a technician on site to assist with installation of the CIPP liner.

If a client is new to UV lining, requires training through an in-person workshop or are in need of an additional hand on site, Impreg coveres and offers onsite support.

UV-curing technology, while it’s a worldleading method and has been used in projects big and small, not everyone is familiar with the process.

Sometimes it can be difficult to identify the right solution for a project which is why the team at Impreg is always happy to do a pre-inspection of complex projects to offer assistance with on-site planning and get familiar with all project partners involved.

The company understands that a great work collaboration between all project partners is the key to turn any project into a success.

Impreg is excited to introduce UV lining and this way of trenchless sewer and pipe rehabilitation. Request a consultation with the team in Australia to get to know the company’s values on quality, reliability and longevity and win a new partner for upcoming projects.

Impreg offers to have a technician on site to assist with installation of CIPP liners.

Impreg has tailored solutions to each project, from design to onsite support.

42 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

For more information visit, www.impreg-australia.com

Precast Concrete Segmental Shafts Hynds precast concrete shaft construction offers a cost-effective, efficient and safe method for the creation of below ground chambers APPLICATIONS: Storage Tanks Pumping Stations Service Shafts

Permanent or temporary ventilation Tunneling launch & retrieval shafts

PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES: Range of sizes from 6.0 to 18.0 metres Various sealing options to suit all applications Multi-use custom connectiondetail to suit all applications Lightweight components to allow easy handling and construction Cutting shoe connection provided to suit customer requirements Suitable for both underpinning and caisson construction methodology

QUALITY: ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard

Mark Ballard

Precast & Engineered Solutions Manager +64 21 563 967 | mark.ballard@hynds.co.nz

REHAB & REPAIR

Load, lock, and leave Working under pressure can be the undoing of some businesses, but for Trenchless Pipeline Services it wasn’t the case thanks to Smart Lock Group.

I

Smart Lock sleeves are able to be installed quickly and efficiently.

n July 2023, Trenchless Pipeline Services got the call urgent works were needed on stormwater drains on a project in Gracemere, Queensland.

Trenchless Pipeline Services Managing Director Ben Byrne told Trenchless Australasia that 52 defects were identified following road upgrades on the suburb outside Rockhampton.

With a short lead time, the new company turned to Australian manufacturer Smart Lock Group for help.

“The reason we chose Smart Lock was due to the project time constraints, using traditional rehabilitation methods was going to push completion out passed the scope deadline with lengthy curing times, so we needed to source a more efficient option,” Byrne said.

Being locally manufactured was another big selling point for why Trenchless Pipeline Services chose Smart Lock.

National Sales Manager at Smart Lock Group Mick Polwarth said the company can support its installers, stakeholders, and projects due to having a quick turnaround.

“When ordering a Smart Lock kits users

won’t face production or shipping delays as all products are designed and manufactured in Melbourne,” he said.

“With local production control at our fingertips there is no fear of long lead times from overseas manufacturing.”

The challenges for Trenchless Pipeline Services didn’t stop at the timeframe for installation but extended through to the number of installations needed and navigating a new product.

However, Byrne said Smart Lock alleviated this challenge by providing training and sending the first 10 Smart Locks to site immediately.

With installation only to be completed by trained and accredited businesses and individuals, Smart Lock ensured it trained the contractors in the technical and practical aspects of the installation of a Smart Lock.

“When we installed the first 10 Smart Locks, we had six engineers and road officials from the project watching over us. The next day they said we need another 44, how quickly can you get them? The Smart Locks were ordered and dispatched the same day and we had them all

E F

O e e

• • • • F fi

W o m G h th Trenchless Pipeline Services recently implemented Smart Lock products on a Queensland project.

44 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

A sleeve being installed using a Smart Lock.

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REHAB & REPAIR

installed within three days,” he said.

Michael Nickolaus, Smart Lock National Technical Manager, said the sleeves are also able to be installed quicker compared to alternative products in the market.

“Typical curing time for just the fibreglass patch is anywhere from one to three hours.

Whereas the Smart Lock can be installed in under 30 minutes,” he said.

The Smart Lock installation is broken down into three steps – load, lock and leave.

“As a result, the residual cost savings for the project and the stakeholders was reduced as it took only three-night shifts instead of maybe 12,” Nickolaus said.

“By the end we had reduced the installation time down to 10 minutes,” Byrne added. “We installed 21 units in one night, which among the challenges of night shift, is incredible.”

Following the success of this project, the two companies have agreed their relationship has opened more opportunities going forward.

“There’s never a one method that fits all in pipe rehabilitation, but these Smart Locks certainly fit this scenario,” Byrne said.

“For us, it opens up further opportunity to expand our reach as we hadn’t really supplied into Rockhampton before, and now have an established relationship for the future,” Polwarth said.

For more information, visit www.smartlockgroup.com

52 defects were fixed using Smart Lock products.

Equipment & Vehicle Finance for your business

Over 18 years Finance Connections have assisted many new and established business within the trenchless industry purchase specialist equipment and vehicles they need to operate their business.

financeconnections.com.au 1800 50 60 10

• New equipment from 5k • Used Equipment & vehicles, trucks, trailers, machinery.

• Business loans including overdrafts (unsecured) • New and established businesses Finance Connections work for our clients to obtain the most suitable finance options for your business.

We recently assisted one of our equipment suppliers clients in obtaining finance for their new business. Danny is a sole trader, 3 months in business & not GST registered, Danny required 25K for GPR equipment. We spoke with Danny to gain an understanding of his business and via our network of lenders we were able to obtain the funds for his purchase.

Contact Steve or Bryan to discuss how we are able to assist your business purchase the equipment & vehicles to grow your business.

Bryan Larkins Mobile: 0404091485 Email: bryan@financeconnections.com.au

Steve Myhill Mobile: 0410 665 496 Email: steve@financeconnections.com.auOCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 45

REHAB & REPAIR

A versatile tool for pipeline maintenance

SECA’s stand at No-Dig Down Under 2023.

Sewer Equipment Company (AUST) – better known as SECA – is now supplying Sewer Robotics, a multi-functional crawler for underground pipe inspection and rehabilitation.

T

renchless Australasia sat down and spoke with Sewer Robotics Sales and Export Manager Bart van der Zalm at No-Dig Down Under 2023 about the system and its different modules.

Manufactured by Sewer Robotics in the Netherlands, the one system is classified as highly effective and cost-effective.

It can remove root intrusions, cut protruding traps, and reinstate lateral connections, install spot repair systems and remove heavy grease.

“There’s a one-stop-shop element, which is really beneficial,” van der Zalm said.

“The precision jet cutting with the ultrahigh pressure water jet can be used to remove

Pipe Management Australia Co-founder and Chief Innovations Officer Luke Moore.

46 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

nearly any obstacle like settled deposits, cement, concrete and grout.”

Utilities management service, Pipe Management Australia, recently purchased its first unit of the Sewer Robotics crawler to service difficult jobs.

“We bought the unit to tackle some of the harder concrete deposits so, it gives us a competitive edge,” Pipe Management Australia Co-founder and Chief Innovations Officer Luke Moore said.

“For us, we would use it for major root removals, hardened concrete deposits and with the additional attachment of the grinding head,

it can cut back intrusions as well.”

Due to the multifunctional nature of the crawler and its various job-specific modules, it can be used across multiple applications.

The R125 crawler has a maximised clearance inside 150mm pipelines and features a twist and lock mechanism to exchange the modules.

It can also easily transform from powerful cutter to a water jet cutter by swapping out the modules in less than one minute.

Lateral reinstatement cutting One module example is the HA125 – a lateral reinstatement cutter that can be used inside 500mm pipelines and 150mm relined pipelines.

The 90-degree cutter and 205mm ram lift are key for durability and precision without the need for hydraulics inside the crawler.

It is also easy to service and features a powerful cutter motor, great camera visibility and user-friendly controls.

Water jet cutting The WJ125 water jet cutter is just one example of Sewer Robotics’ 17 years’ experience of UHP water jet cutting.

This module applies a continuous highpressure blast from the crawler for a controlled removal of deposits settled from within 150mm to 1000mm pipes and their connections.

With up to 3000BAR, the precision water jet cutting can remove fog, debris, roots, cement, scale, tuberculation, grout, calcium and concrete.

REHAB & REPAIR

CCTV inspection The CAM125 module connects the CAMTRONICS ZRK70 HD Pan & Tilt inspection camera with the Sewer Robotics R125 crawler for high-definition inspections.

It features a pressure adjustable air coupling, which is operated from the control unit.

The Sewer Robotics multi-functional crawler.

Gripper The gripper accessory is designed to grab and remove solid debris and other objects from pipelines.

It is compatible with all water driven lateral reinstatement and water jet cutting modules and has three replaceable “fingers”, which are controlled by adjusting the pressure of the high-pressure power pack.

A reliable service SECA offers a range of CCTV inspection kits and has the industry expertise to make sure its customers can choose the right camera for the job, based on their specific needs.

“SECA provides a good service to us,” Moore said.

“They specialise in the equipment they bring and that’s what they are very good at.”

For Sewer Robotics, it was a clear choice to distribute through SECA.

“SECA has a very good market presence, a good reputation and the infrastructure and knowledge to support a product like this,” van der Zalm said “Because we’re from the Netherlands, it’s a long distance away, so we need the perfect service here.

“When these robots are on the job and something goes wrong, they are there to support our customers.”

CCTV inspection kits are an essential tool for asset owners and contractors, as it allows

operators to locate leaks, blockages, and catastrophic pipe failures in sewer networks before they occur.

With an impressive range of equipment for the condition assessment of sewer networks, SECA is uniquely able empower every operator to meet the unique needs of every job.

For more information, visit www.seca.com.au

The Next Generation in Trenchless Technology

> Still the market leaders in laser guided microtunnelling > Bore diameters from 325mm up to 2800mm > Specialists in ‘free bore’, sleeve boring and pipe jacking in all sizes > Used for gravity sewers, water mains, storm water, gas and electrical conduits.

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OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 47

REHAB & REPAIR

A sustainable commitment Interflow’s long-term commitment to WaterAid Australia is providing clean water and sanitation to those who need it most.

W

aterAid Australia is part of a global organisation that enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, allowing them to unlock their potential.

“WaterAid’s work is diverse, over 750 million people across the globe do not have access to daily, safe, reliable drinking water, sanitation and good hygiene,” WaterAid Australia Corporate Partnerships Manager Mark Trembath said.

“We do this by providing storage for spring water, by placing walls and a door around open pits to provide privacy and dignity and education around hygiene.”

Founded in 2004, WaterAid Australia will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Today, WaterAid Australia raises over $15 million annually and is largely underpinned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian water sector.

In the organisation’s earliest days, Interflow found common ground with the WaterAid cause as it heavily aligned to the company’s own purpose of ‘improving the lives of the people we work with, the communities we serve, and the environments we work in, for generations to come’.

Early involvement Interflow’s involvement with WaterAid Australia began in 2004 when Geoff Weaver, Interflow’s Managing Director at the time, was approached by a customer who had recently become a part of WaterAid Australia’s starting initiative.

“He gave me a call saying he wanted to start with a gala ball and he was looking for companies related to the water industry that might be willing to support WaterAid through this initiative,” said Geoff, now Interflow’s Chair.

“After giving the idea some thought, it was clear to me that the Weaver family, our people and the suppliers of Interflow have all had the privilege of benefitting from the provision of clean water and sanitation in Australia throughout our company’s history.

“I saw it as a chance for Interflow to give back to communities that don’t have the same opportunities as we did in Australia.”

Interflow would later ring the customer back and give him his commitment to support WaterAid. “Since sponsoring their first gala ball back in 2004, we’ve been proud to play our part in supporting WaterAid Australia through many events, which strongly aligns with part of our company’s purpose of improving the lives communities we serve and 48 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Daniel Weaver and his wife Sophie.

A water tank provided for storage.

environments we work in,” Geoff said.

“With WaterAid Australia, it just happens to be that the communities we are serving are overseas rather than here in Australia and New Zealand.”

Visiting Timor Leste with WaterAid in 2023 Fast forward to 2023, and WaterAid gave Interflow the opportunity to visit Timor-Leste

on its first visit back since the pandemic.

Interflow Managing Director Daniel Weaver, and his wife Sophie, accepted the offer and made the trip to Timor-Leste in August.

“My parents (Geoff and Kerry Weaver) got to visit Timor-Leste in 2013 with WaterAid,” Daniel said.

“So did our Board Member, David Lilley and his wife Shiralee a year later. So, to take

A A

W qu en sm co

Fo

REHAB & REPAIR

my wife in 2023 was a very special experience for me and my family.

“Visiting the communities in person is a humbling experience and I’m very grateful to have had the chance. There’s a difference between seeing it in person compared to hearing about it or reading it in a magazine or brochure.”

The benefits WaterAid provides “Straight away it was clear to see WaterAid were a highly engaged and motivated team,” said Daniel. “It’s not just a job for them, there’s a passion and a purpose to what they do.”

What stood out most for Daniel was WaterAid’s model for empowering local people. Communities were heavily involved with the design and build of their new water supplies and took great pride in upgrading their village.

“It was Timor people doing it for Timor people,” he reflected.

“You can see from a community perspective that they want this. The work is being done with them in a true partnership with the WaterAid team. You could see the donations stretching far and making a real impact.”

“Visiting villages that have received support from WaterAid, you could clearly see a difference,” he said.

“Instead of walking for hours each day,

Previous water supply was a bamboo pipe.

sometimes long distances and through challenging terrain, with water access right outside their homes, people could spend that time in other ways that benefited their futures, their families and their communities.

“This was most notable for the women and children of these communities. The opportunity for education is the example most front of mind for me.” he said.

A tap that had been installed.

For more information, visit www.wateraid.org/au or www.interflow.com.au

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OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 49

HDD

New machine solidifies longstanding HDD partnership TRACTO Australia has strengthened its relationship with one of Melbourne’s leading horizontal directional drilling contractors. Multipipe, which is focused on energy and communications installations for leading asset owners, recently acquired its second TRACTO GRUNDODRILL 18 ACS designed to cut through the challenging hard rock geology found throughout the city.

The GRUNDODRILL 18 ACS.

F

ounded by Managing Director Scott Dale in 1994 and incorporated to Multipipe in 1996 has worked across power telecommunications, gas, water infrastructure, working for the likes of Zinfra, Jemena, CitiPower, ServiceStream, Telstra, Yarra Trams and CBRE. “Most of our projects are asset relocation projects or new feeder works,” he said.

“We’ve done some power feeder works where people need new supply. We’ve got those major projects, they don’t come often, and then there’s the day-to-day type projects as well.”

“We’ve been working with TRACTO for a long time now,” Scott said.

50 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Multipipe established the relationship with TRACTO in the early 2000 and 2019 acquired its first GRUNDODRILL 18ACS machine.

“Since then, Multipipe has built a nice Range of TRACTO machines from PS 60 Directional Bed Bore, 4X Directional Drill and a second GRUNDODRILL 18ACS Drill in 2023 of trenchless systems we use consistently.”

Known as the ‘King of Rock’, the GRUNDODRILL 18ACS has a stepless adjustment of torque and speed for maximum rotational power and productivity. The machine’s fully automatic operation ensures

minimal downtime and relief for the machine operator, while the rotation of drill rods within the rod box is possible during normal operation, resulting in consistent use and wear on the drill rods.

The machine can also be converted for cable-guided bores when drilling in challenging terrain – like what is found across most of Melbourne – and at great depths. Scott said the necessity to navigate the challenging geologies the contractor encounters played was a determining factor in acquiring another TRACTO machine.

“We really went to TRACTO because their machines are capable in both rock and clay

HDD

Multipipe acquiried its first GRUNDODRILL 18 ACS machine in 2019.

which is really our field. Especially because we do a lot of our work on the western side of the town where this geology is common,” he said.

“The 18ACS is also a compact machine and a pretty good size for getting into some tighter urban areas. It’s also got the power and the capability of easily completing projects over 100m in length up to 500mm diameter in Basalt with ease.

Paired with the two multi-function joysticks for all functions in bore and driving mode, the 18ACS is a user-friendly machine for all kinds of operators.

Multipipe Operations Manager Brodie Dale said it was so easy to use. He said the machine looks a bit daunting, but is really user-friendly.

Brodie has been able to train three new staff that came from outside the construction industry, that had no previous experience, at the art of HDD. They picked up the drill really easily.” he said.

In addition to supplying these industry leading trenchless solutions, all TRACTO machines are backed-up by training, service and spare parts. It’s something the supplier has focused on in recent years, making significant investments in those areas.

“As the industry would be aware, we have dedicated the past few years positioning TRACTO Australia as more than a supplier,” TRACTO Australia Sales Manager Daniel Toms said.

“The sale is only the first step in a long process and partnership, and the real work starts when the drill is delivered.

“At TRACTO, we continue to aim to provide the best class after sales support,

training, spare parts and servicing.”

Brodie said the training, access to an extensive range of spare parts and the employment of local technicians, is an important aspect to the partnership between the two companies.

“We’ll have technicians call us every couple of weeks just to make sure everything is going okay with the machine,” he said.

“They’re always around if we need anything so it’s a good support system. They’ve also had a German technician based here for six months to support Australian customers as well.”

He said working with TRACTO machines has helped the company complete several complex civil infrastructure projects, which might have challenged or defeated other machines.

“Here at Multipipe we mainly do turnkey, end to end projects, Brodie said.

“We’re really happy with the support and products from TRACTO. It’s definitely the machine to buy for these difficult shots and difficult ground conditions.”

For more information, visit www.tracto.com/AU

Multipipe has worked across power telecommunications, gas and water infrastructure.

OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 51

HDD

The McLaughlin Verifier G3.

Why accurate detection data matters underground In the world of trenchless technology, accuracy is paramount. However, data concerning underground utilities and assets is notoriously unreliable, posing a critical challenge for trenchless practitioners.

W

ith operations hidden beneath the surface, any miscalculation can have severe consequences – underscoring the need for precise information.

Underground utility networks can be likened to an intricate tapestry – growing and evolving as communities expand, ageing infrastructure

deteriorates, and assets are replaced.

For trenchless practitioners, navigating this tapestry is not without its challenges.

In the absence of reliable data, operators risk running into, and potentially damaging utilities.This can result in costly delays, disruptions to essential services and threatening

The Falcon F5+ offers the performance and versatility to complete a job safely and accurately.

52 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

the safety of workers and the public.

Additionally, an accidental collision with utilities can have significant environmental repercussions such as soil and water contamination, disrupted habitats and pollutant leakage.

When it comes to trenchless technology, there’s no room for error, and operators cannot afford to rely on unreliable data.

Whether checking for the presence of existing assets, or guiding a driller tool along a prescribed path, employing the most advanced utility locating technologies is crucial to ensuring accurate underground asset information.

Combat interference Vermeer, along with partners McLaughlin Underground and Digital Control Incorporated (DCI), offer a range of digital locators, including the McLaughlin Verifier G3 and the DCI DigiTrak® F5 (Falcon F5+).

The Falcon F5+ offers the performance and versatility to complete a job safely, accurately, and efficiently. With a data range of 180/220ft, it can locate even the deepest utilities. It’s also packed with over 1000 frequencies for the lowest, highest, and widest range of bands, enabling accurate drilling for any job.

Interference is the biggest obstacle in HDD locating and the Falcon F5+ has the broadest range of frequencies of any locator on the market. The ultra-low frequencies of the Sub-k™

HDD

Rebar transmitter enable accurate drilling under reinforced concrete, while the higher frequencies combat active interference caused by cell towers, traffic loops, and power lines.

Adaptable solutions for easy detection The McLaughlin Verifier G3 Utility Locator is durable, easy to use and does not require calibration.

With strong inductive capabilities, it can

detect signals accurately, even in complicated conditions such as areas with dense utility networks.

This enhanced capability allows precise identification of various types of utilities, making it a vital tool for preventing accidental utility damage.

The Verifier G3 offers three locating modes – peak, peak/null and null. An operator-friendly screen shows the accuracy of peak mode –

Employing the most advanced utility locating technologies is crucial to ensuring accurate underground asset information in the trenchless industry.

combined with the speed of null mode – at a glance.

Depth and current strength measurements are automatically provided and displayed on all available screen modes, offering real-time and accurate information on the depth of a utility and the strength of the current being measured.

This ensures correct and precise measurements without the need for additional manual adjustments or switching between modes.

Future-proof investment The Verifier G3 features a one-size-fits-all coil clamp that does not need to encircle the utility to induce a signal and is 100 per cent waterproof.

A small waterproof transmitter emits a signal that is traced by the receiver, enabling the location and depth of non-metallic pipe to be efficiently and accurately assessed.

With a three-year warranty offering coverage including water damage, users can have peace of mind that their investment is protected in the event of unexpected issues.

As well as providing high-quality, efficient and effective equipment, Vermeer Australia’s exceptional end-to-end offerings include after-sales support and service, with a team of knowledgeable staff on hand to assist customers.

For more information, call 1300 VERMEER or visit www.vermeeraustralia.com.au

Adept Civil Group specialise in Laser Guided Tunnel Boring.

Bores that require accurate grades or When accuracy and reliability are important contact Adept Civil Group.

T: (03) 9863 9530 or 0416087254 Email: info@adeptcivilgroup.com quentin@adeptcivilgroup.com www.adeptcivilgroup.com.au

OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 53

HDD

CEA Subsite Calibration Centre opens its doors in Brisbane Wanting to decrease downtime for the Australian and New Zealand Subsite customer base, CEA has invested in a local repair and calibration centre, located in Brisbane at CEA’s Darra branch.

CEA’s David Greene and Robin Talbot.

A

ccording to CEA National Service, Technical and Warranty Manager David Greene, this new facility is a game changer for the Subsite customer base in Australasia.

“CEA is excited to invest in a local repair centre to not only offer timely responses but provide better service to the extensive customer base throughout Australia,” he said.

“The Subsite Calibration Centre is a specialised facility that provides services for the calibration of instruments and equipment used to install, rehabilitate, and maintain underground pipe and cable.

“By calibrating the equipment customers are assured their devices are providing accurate data, which is critical to the safety and performance of the equipment in the industry.”

The facility opened in January 2023.

“We’ve had really positive feedback for customers who’ve enjoyed the opportunity to talk to local people about their equipment,” Greene said.

The Subsite Calibration Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to calibrate a range of instruments and equipment.

The centre’s main focus is to ensure that the instruments and equipment used in the field are accurate and reliable.

54 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

The centre features a purpose-built radio frequency interference (RFI) shielded room, fitted with a Helmholtz calibration coil that produces a precisely controlled and variable magnetic field.

To test the utilities locator, it is placed inside the magnetic field during calibration.

The Subsite software runs a series of calibration and test routines to ensure that the locator provides reliable, accurate results in the field.

The extensive range of Subsite products provide underground construction professionals with the most comprehensive suite of electronic products in the industry, including utility locators, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) guidance equipment, equipment machine controls, and closed-circuit television remote inspection and monitoring cameras and accessories.

Until recently, Subsite customers relied on service support from overseas when it came to the calibrating and repair of their equipment.

According to Greene, this process was too time-consuming for the local customer base.

“We would have to send equipment back to America for any repairs required and this meant lengthy delays for customers due to shipping times, availability of technicians and access to the purpose-built facilities for the calibration process,” he said.

“Repair time turn around has been greatly improved since the local repair centre was opened. CEA has also invested in our parts holding for the Subsite product, ensuring we have the ability to quickly repair and support local requirements.”

CEA recently sent an Applications Engineer to America to undergo intensive training.

This now ensures CEA has the facilities and staff within Australia that are qualified to maintain and repair the equipment.

Including: • Utiliguard and 830R/T Utility Locators, transmitters, and accessories.

• HDD and Locating beacons.

• Marksman+ trackers.

• TK Recon trackers.

• TK Recon displays.

• Commander 7 displays.

In addition to calibration services, the centre is also equipped to repair and maintain instruments and equipment and provide wider technical support.

These additional services help ensure that the instruments and equipment remain in good

Above: CEA Subsite Calibration Centre ensures instruments and equipment used in the field are accurate and reliable.

working condition and continue to perform accurately over time.

By having equipment serviced at the CEA Subsite Calibration Centre, customers can be confident their gear is being looked after by highly trained staff in a purpose-built facility designed specifically for the support and maintenance of their equipment.

For more information, visit www.cea.net.au or call 1300 788 757.

The centre features a purpose-built radio frequency interference shielded room.

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VACUUM & HYDRO EXCAVATION

Removing end-users from hazardous situations At No-Dig Down Under in September, KOR showcased Gerotto and Falch products, having a range of OEM representatives available to further reinforce the comapny’s focus on enhancing the offering to its industrial service clients.

K

OR’s Head of Product and Commercial Tim McGregor and Head of Sales and Marketing Chris Masterson sat down with Trenchless Australasia to highlight the alternative and complimentary technologies KOR is offering to the market.

At No-Dig Down Under, hosted at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, two models from Gerotto were on display (Lombrico S and Gatto).

McGregor said the Gerotto remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) provide the solution to removing the operator completely from the line of fire during excavation and cleaning activities in potentially hazardous areas.

“As a result, this removes the operator from the immediate work area, mitigates risk, materially reduces operator fatigue, increases operator safety and productivity, and allows difficult and potentially hazardous applications to continue.” he said.

“Gerotto products have been working in

KOR also supplies Falch products.

56 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Head of Product and Commercial Tim McGregor.

Head of Sales and Marketing Chris Masterson.

the Australian market for some time, but it hasn’t been known to the market as well as it should. With recent labour shortages and focus on improving productivity and safety, the equipment is growing recognition.”

“It’s a way forward to easily remove operators from a situation where they don’t need to be working and allows operators in certain circumstances to improve productivity.”

Masterson added that a task that would

KOR has a range of semi-robotic and full robotic ultra-high-pressure equipment.

VACUUM & HYDRO EXCAVATION

usually require a large team, now using a Gerotto vacuum robot, reduces the number of operators required.

Not only does the technology remove operators from harm’s way, it also allows access to areas that were historically high risk.

“The Gerotto ‘Gatto’ excavator robot, has a small traditional bucket excavator on the front.

It’s designed to either move product from one area to another, or it can move products into a vacuum stream coupled up to a Cappellotto vacuum truck.”

Masterson said the main drive behind Gerotto products is safety and productivity.

“Instead of needing to take the plant offline because you need physical access, users can keep the services online and send the robot in, allowing significant savings for the asset owners” he said.

With workforce shortages being one of the main challenges faced by the trenchless industry, KOR believe it’s offering of products are a key solution to workplace safety and workforce shortages.

“As the market evolves, we’re developing and introducing new and complimentary products to market. If you look at a vacuum truck, or a drain cleaning truck evolution over the years we have gone from people entering in concrete pipes, and physically digging them out with a shovel to using Cappellotto combination and, vacuum units coupled with Gerotto robots.

Further adding to its suite of offerings, KOR also supplies Falch products. Falch is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of ultrahigh pressure, water pumps, and both semi robotics for the high-pressure water industry.

KOR has a range of semi-robotic and full robotic ultra-high-pressure equipment which, is designed to remove the operator from holding a ultra-high pressure hand gun and reducing the fatigue and safety related risks.

“The way forward to improve the safety and be able to get the work done is by still having operators involved at a safe distance but taking Cappellotto vacuum truck.

Falch manufacturers ultra-high pressure, water pumps, and both semi robotics for the high-pressure water industry.

Gerotto remotely operated vehicles.

away the reaction force from holding onto a high-pressure gun,” Masterson said.

The company has also recently added the KOR Academy, with a big drive on bringing recognised industry standard units of competency training to market.

With multiple people requiring skill sets,

KOR is constantly looking at what safety requirements will be needed over the next few years, what is needed to support the industry to continually uplift safety and competency for operators.

“We now have full time trainers that train in the current standards across a suite of disciplines,”Masterson said.

“This means the curriculum we continue to develop and implement meet or exceeds the appropriate standards in the industry.

“We’re training hundreds of industry people every year, so we are confident that we are positively contributing to the industry by increasing the safety standards, uplifting competency and product knowledge.”

Masterson added that it is one thing to sell equipment to the industry, but it is also important that people within the industry understand how to use the equipment safely while recognising the risks involved in operating this equipment.

“There is a requirement to first retain people in the industry and increase the level of certified competency-based training recognised within the trenchless industry,” he said.

For more information, visit www.kor.com.au OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 57

VACUUM & HYDRO EXCAVATION

Rangedale RDI Services leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver innovative, market-focused solutions.

The Rangedale service Rangedale Drainage and Industrial Services (RDI Services) is a locally owned business dedicated to serving the Victorian and New South Wales markets.

W

ith a legacy spanning over three decades, Rangedale RDI Services leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver innovative, marketfocused solutions. Over the years, RDI has witnessed significant transformations across various industries, evolving by investing in its people, equipment and embracing innovation to lead the way in an ever-changing landscape.

In 2019, Company Directors Chris O’Connor, Vince D’Alessio, and Justin Triffitt embarked on a journey to expand Rangedale’s service portfolio into the industrial sector.

General Manager Justin Triffitt said that RDI Services boasts a state-of-the-art fleet comprising industrial vehicles, combination drain cleaning units, cutting-edge pipeline CCTV technology, wet and dry vacuum units, high-pressure water jetting equipment, vacuum tankers, and supplementary machinery.

“Our business model at RDI is heavily involved in the mining, manufacturing, and oil & gas sectors. We offer comprehensive services, including high-pressure water jetting, large-scale industrial cleaning, tank cleaning, de-sludging, industrial vacuum loading, and specialised water jetting applications,” he said.

Operating from depots in Wangaratta, Wodonga (Vic), and Sydney (NSW), RDI prides itself on tackling projects of all sizes with equal dedication.

Triffitt emphasised the company’s ability to provide customised solutions for any challenge, an abundant workforce, ample resources, and top-tier equipment, all complemented by a readiness to prioritise emergency work and a 24/7 operational capability.

“Our field crews are adept at handling high-risk operations, including confined space and working at heights management,” Triffitt said. “Our team’s industry expertise extends to water, sewer, and infrastructure applications, collaborating with local water authorities, councils, and tier-one civil contractors. We also utilise drain cleaning and hydro excavation equipment in these markets.”

With a commitment to delivering exceptional service to its existing client base, RDI is also eyeing further investment in the Sydney market to unlock more tier-one

infrastructure project opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Triffitt envisions additional capital investments in the drainage and non-destructive digging sectors, enabling the company’s organic growth and contributing to sustainable employment.

As part of the Rangedale Group of Companies, Rangedale can provide customers

with comprehensive service solutions thanks to its vertically integrated approach, which leverages all in-house services. With its extensive fleet, skilled personnel, industry expertise, and vast resources, Rangedale is well-equipped to tackle any challenge.

For more information, visit www.rangedale.com.au/rdi-services

RDI Services works in the Victorian and NSW markets.

RDI is involved in the mining, manufacturing, and oil & gas sectors.

58 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

AST

Image courtesy of Queensland Urban Utilities

JOIN THE ASTT The Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology is a non-profit organisation. Corporate or individual membership is open to all who are concerned with the provision of gas, water, sewage, drainage, telecommunications and electrical services.

Corporate and Individual Memberships are available and benefits include: •

Annual subscription to Trenchless Australasia magazine and the Australasian Trenchless Directory

•

Discount rates at national conferences and exhibitions, and ISTT International No-Dig exhibitions

•

A communication network to keep abreast of the advancement of the science and practices of Trenchless Technology throughout the world.

Networking

Publications

Discounts

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER? Visit www.astt.com.au/membership for more information.

TRN_Directory_2020_Cover.indd 3

15/5/20 4:53 pm

ASTT CORPORATE MEMBERS

Corporate Members Gold Corporate Members Herrenknecht AG J&R Contracting Limited Kellogg Brown & Root Michels Trenchless Pty. Ltd.

OptionX Group Orion Consulting Rangedale Rehabilitation and Renewals Pty Ltd

Systra Bamser WSP New Zealand Ltd Water Corporation

Silver Corporate Members Aaro Group Abergeldie Rehabilitation Pty Ltd ACP Australian Custom Pipes Adept Drainage Pty Ltd AECOM New Zealand Limited AHD Trenchless Applied Felts Aqua Assets Aqua Metro Pty Ltd AQUATEK Fluid Systems Atteris Pty Ltd Aurecon Ausinland Pty Ltd Aussie Drill Kings Pty Ltd Aussie Trenchless Supplies Pty Ltd Australian Pipeline Management Pty Ltd Austunnel Pty Ltd Ballarat Underroad Boring and Excavations Pty Ltd BG Risk Solutions Blick Group Bortec Laser Bore Pty Ltd BRP Corporation Pty Ltd Bullseye Boring CEA CC Group CDS New Zealand Ltd Channeline International D.J. Mac Cormick Contractors DCS Manufacturing Pty Ltd Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd. Derby Rubber Products Digital Control - Australia Directhitt Trenchless Pty Ltd Diversified Services Australia DM Civil Dormway Pty Ltd Draintech Solutions Drillers World Australia Dunstans E&CC Edge Underground ELB Equipment Pty Ltd Empire Infrastructure

Fulton Hogan Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd Future-Proof Solutions GCE Contractors Pty Ltd GM Microtunnelling GN Solids Control Golder Hard Metals Australia Pty Limited HDI Lucas HEB Construction Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd Hynds Pipe Systems Ltd IMPREG (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD Independent Sewer Consulting Services Pty Ltd Insituform Insituform Pacific Pty Ltd Interflow Pty Ltd Iplex Pipelines Australia JB Trenchless Pty Ltd KAISER Technology Pty Ltd kwik-ZIP Spacers L P Pipe Civil LKL International Pty Ltd M. Tucker & Sons Pty Ltd March Cato Ltd Marley Maskell Productions Ltd Matamata Directional Drilling Maxibor Australia Pty Limited McBerns Innovative Solutions McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd McElroy Manufacturing Inc. McMillen Jacobs Associates (NZ) Melbourne Water Metrocorp Technologies Mudex Mullane Trenchless Pipeline Solutions Pty Ltd NEWest Alliance Nu Flow Technologies 2000 Pty Ltd Pezzimenti Laserbore Pty Ltd Pezzimenti Trenchless Pty Ltd Pezzimenti Tunnelbore Pty Ltd.

Pipe Core Pty Ltd Pipe Doctor Australia Pty Ltd Pipe Insight Ltd Pipe Tek Pipeline Drillers Group Pipe Pro Drilling PipeWorks Prime Creative Media Prime Horizontal Pty Ltd Qalchek Pty Ltd Qenos Pty Ltd R & R McClure Excavations Raedlinger Primus Line Pty Ltd Ravago NZ Ltd RBM Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd Rob Carr Pty Ltd Rose Atkins Rimmer (Infrastructure) Pty Ltd RPC Pipe Systems SA Water SASTTI Joint Venture Schauenburg MAB SEKISUI Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd SEQ Trenchless Sewer Equipment Company (Aust) Sika Australia SLB-M-I SWACO Smythe Contractors Limited Stiles Electrical STRABAG Sydney Water TDG Environmental (NZ) TDM Pipeline Solutions TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd Trenchless Advisor Pty Ltd UEA Pty Ltd Vacvator Vector Magnetics Vermeer Australia Vertical Horizonz Australia Veolia (NZ) Vinidex Pty Limited Warren Smith & Partners Wilsons Pipeline Solutions Yarra Valley Water

Asset Owners Auckland Council Watercare Services Ltd Greater Western Water

60 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

Knox City Council Bowley Plumbing Services EnviroPacific- SOLVE

ASTT

About the ASTT

T

he Australasian Society of Trenchless Technology (ASTT) is a non-profit organisation comprising of members throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The successful establishment of the trenchless industry in Australasia has been supported and promoted by the peak industry organisation, the ASTT, since it was established in 1991.

The society works tirelessly to promote the use of trenchless technology in Australasia, lobbying government and client organisations to highlight the advantages of using trenchless technology and the benefits of training for industry.

Membership is open to all who are concerned with the provision of gas, water, sewerage, drainage, roads, telecommunications and electrical services.

ASTT membership provides trenchless professionals the tools and services they need to be better informed and better connected in this industry.

The ASTT is part of the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT), an affiliation of societies in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Membership applications The ASTT currently offers seven levels of membership available to all residents of

Membership Category

Australia and New Zealand or anyone who is also a financial member of an existing ISTT affiliated society.

The benefits of Membership depending upon category can include: Up to 10 people from your organisation may be included in your membership and are entitled to receive the below benefits: • Acknowledgment of your company in every edition of the Trenchless Australasia magazine.

• An annual subscription to Trenchless Australasia magazine (four issues per year).

• An annual subscription to ISTT’s Trenchless Works.

• A company listing Australasian Trenchless Directory (print and digital).

• Opportunity to promote your membership of the association by including the ASTT logo on your business communications and website.

• Access to guidelines and standards.

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at national conferences and exhibitions.

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at international conferences and exhibitions.

• Discount rates (normally 10 per cent) at trenchless forums.

• Opportunity to become involved in our Special Interest Groups which

are technical divisions of the ASTT representing specific trenchless sectors.

• Special offers and links with international organisations including the ISTT. • Opportunity to nominate for ASTT and ISTT awards.

• Free access to ISTT past conference proceedings.

• A communication network to keep abreast of the advancement of the science and practices of trenchless technology throughout the world.

• Discounted rates at international No-Digs and national events including No-Dig Down Under.

How to apply Visit the ASTT website on www.astt.com.au and check out the membership benefits that apply for each category.

Your membership request will be emailed directly to the ASTT for processing. You will receive an invoice based on the information you supply. Acceptance does not take effect until payment is received in full.

For more information visit www.astt.com.au or email secretary@astt.com.au

12 Month Membership Rates

24 Month Membership Rates

Gold Corporate

$945.00

$1,512.00

Silver Corporate

$540.00

$864.00

Asset Owners

$405.00

$648.00

Individual

$135.00

N/A

Young Professional

$100.00

N/A

Retired Individual

$100.00

N/A

Tertiary Education Institutions (Students)

$40.00

N/A

(The rates shown above exclude GST)

OCTOBER 2023 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA 61

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move Trenchless Australasia is tracking new appointments in Australia and New Zealand’s trenchless industries. Read the latest people moves below.

Ben Hayes – Asia Pacific Area Sales Manager – Herrenknecht

Mick Polwarth – National Sales Manager – Smart Lock Group

Nigel Dobier – General Manager Sales – Vermeer Australia

Ben Hayes has started a new role as Herrenknecht Area Sales Manager and Head of Sales for Asia Pacific.

The company is known for manufacturing large-diameter tunnel boring machines (TBMs), but also focuses on smallerdiameter trenchless installations with its pipejacking and horizontal directional drilling equipment (HDD).

Hayes, a degree qualified Civil Engineer who first joined the sales team in Thailand 13 years ago, will manage the sales team for the Asia Pacific area for its Business Unit Utility Tunnelling.

“The product lines I will be responsible for are small diameter TBMs, microtunnelling equipment, HDD equipment, shaft sinking equipment and some specialised pipeline installation products known as Direct Pipe and E-Power Pipe, as well as supporting all Herrenknecht group brands where I can,” Hayes said.

While he will still be involved in his previous front line sales role, Hayes said he’s looking forward to steering the longterm strategy.

Mick Polwarth has joined innovative trenchless solutions provider Smart Lock Group as its National Sales Manager.

Polwarth has joined the business with focus on growing it nationally, educating asset owners, managers, and contractors across many sectors on the Smart Lock technologies capability and application.

Spanning over 15 years in the industry, Polwarth has worked with Barry Bros, a subsidiary of Toxfree Australia, Cleanaway and Rangedale.

“Having been on the contractor’s side of things for a long time, I’m excited to now be on the manufacturing and supply side, widening my knowledge further and just being involved in a great industry that offers so much,” Polwarth said.

“I’m certainly looking forward to reconnecting with the great people I have met along the way and meeting new people going forward.

“I’m proud that I can be involved with and bring an innovative Australian owner and manufactured product to the industry.”

Vermeer Australia has welcomed Nigel Dobier as its new General Manager Sales.

Dobier’s new role at Vermeer Australia will see him oversee the entire sales team based along the eastern seaboard from Adelaide through to Townsville.

With a goal to work closely with his Sales Managers and the greater sales team, he wants to ensure Vermeer’s customer base is getting the best of it as a company, the best equipment and support.

“It also entails bringing new Vermeer products to the Australian market and ensuring the entire Australian trenchless industry are aware of the latest and greatest equipment available to them to ensure uptime on site and more pipe is going in the ground per day,” Dobier said.

Having been with Vermeer Australia for 14 years, Dobier has worked in most parts of the business, primarily in Queensland and New South Wales.

Despite being with the company for a number of years, Dobier said it is the people and evolving technology that has kept him within this industry.

We’re Creating the Future of Water for people and communities, for generations to come If your company has recently employed a new person within your business you would like profiled in ‘People on the Move’, send details of the career news alongside a high-res photo to Editor Clemence Carayol at clemence.carayol@primecreative.com.au

62 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA OCTOBER 2023

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Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the United States and /or other countries.

Product specifications are subject to change by OEM. © 2023 RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (trading as Vermeer Australia). All Rights Reserved.