Case studies of axis on-grade sewer technology

Today, the reality of increasing funding gaps to expand and replace aging sewer systems has resulted in public works officials seeking cost-feasible solutions for stretching their diminishing capital budget allocations. Traditionally, critical grade sewers have been installed using open-cut methods of construction during to accuracy concerns with trenchless techniques such as horizontal directional drilling. In an attempt to curb public concerns over road closures, trenchless technologies are gaining popularity as government officials and politicians try and minimize disruption to surface activities, particularly in dense, urban environments. This paper describes the AXIS™ Guided Boring System, a new and innovative trenchless method developed specifically for installing critical grade sewers. A laser-guided camera system provides the guidance for achieving tights grades accurate to within millimeters using either sectional or continuous pipe products. The AXIS system provides a "green" solution due to minimal excavation requirements, elimination of escaping drilling fluids due to an innovative vacuum system, and minimal airborne emissions compared to traditional open-cut. Case studies from three recent projects using the AXIS system are presented in this paper including examination of setup, productivity, and grade accuracy.