WATER LINE SPLITTING IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

This paper describes a Gainesville Regional Utilities demonstration project that explored the use of traditional open trenching methods versus the trenchless method of pipe splitting for the rehabilitation of 152 m (500 ft) of existing 50 mm (2 in.) Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe in service as a potable water line. The galvanized steel pipe was replaced by using the pipe splitting method and pulling new 50 mm outside diameter polyethylene pipe into place. The hydraulics of the existing galvanized steel pipe and new polyethylene pipe are compared. Economic comparisons of the traditional method versus the trenchless method of pipe splitting are presented. Construction advantages and other considerations associated with the trenchless method demonstrated are also discussed.