What is Pipe Cracking?

Pipe Cracking is a trenchless method of rehabilitating old, leaking, damaged, or undersized pipelines, the existing pipeline is broken and displaced into the ground while the new product pipe is simultaneously installed. The new product pipeline follows the existing pipeline's level.

There are different methods of Pipe Cracking namely static pull/conventional and concussive hammer-assisted cracking or commonly referred to as Pipe Bursting. Like HDD a launch pits and reception pits are required for each length to be replaced, if the existing pipeline has any connections, it is always best practice to locate these and excavate the connections prior to the pipe cracking procedure starting.

Where can Pipe Cracking be used?

Pipe Cracking can be used on any pipeline where there is sufficient space to access with a crane truck. Pipe Cracking is used for the replacement of both water and sewer pipelines and in some cases can be used for drainage and storm-water pipelines depending on the material of the existing pipeline.

Our Capacity

We are able to Pipe Crack existing pipelines with an ID larger than 65mm and up to a diameter of 450mm. For pipelines larger than 450mm we would offer Pipe Reaming as an alternative. We have the tooling to replace existing pipelines that are AC, Clay, fiberglass, Reinforced Concrete, steel, UPVC and even HDPE. We are also able to replace pipelines size for size or to upsize the existing pipeline for areas where the existing infrastructure needs to be upgraded or in areas where there are future upgrades planned.

A quick run-through of the Pipe Reaming Process.

The static pull/conventional pipe cracking is done by inserting a pipe cracking down unit into the pit at the level of the existing pipeline, and the rods are installed into the existing pipeline until they reach the launch pit, the Pipe Cracking head is connected to the down unit by the solid rods, and the forces that crack the existing pipeline and installation of the new product pipeline only comes from the down unit.

Once everything is connected the down unit starts pulling the rods which in turn pulls the pipe cracking head in a continuous back and forth motion.

The maximum pulling length is around 140 meters depending on the existing pipeline and method used as well as the grounds’ ability to displace.

The Pipe Bursting method works in a similar manner to conventional Pipe Cracking, however a concussive hammer is added. For the concussive hammer to operate a pneumatic hose needs to be installed into the new pipeline, this is then connected to a high-pressure air compressor, the concussive hammer is then inserted into a specialized cracking hammer casing, the hammer casing is secured to the new product pipeline and is pulled by means of either the pipe cracking down unit or by means of a hydraulic powered winch. This is an older method of pipe cracking; however, it is still a viable method when the existing pipeline is constructed of thick reinforced concrete or in areas where the existing pipeline has been concrete incased.

If the pipe cracking down unit is to be used, the same pulling motion is used. If a winch is used as the pulling mechanism, then the motion is continuous with no stopping, this however is a larger site set up and in turn, has an overall higher cost per meter.