Trenchless Technology

Improvements to the water distribution system in Technical Area 1 on Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) utilizing trenchless technology to replace deteriorated portions of the waterline throughout the tech area. A total of 4,450 LF of 6” to 12” waterline was replaced during this project; approximately 66% through pipe bursting and 34% through open-cut-and-replace.

There were approximately 700 potholes through the duration of this project. At one intersection alone, there were 21 undocumented utilities. Upon locating these utilities, AUI would coordinate with SNL representatives to get a GPS reading on the utility line, determine if the line was active or inactive, and add the line to the as-built documents for this project. Each situation concerning an unknown underground facility presented unique challenges including the need for penetration permits, and modification to the proposed waterline installation plan to avoid conflicts with these facilities.