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Certa-Lok restrained-joint PVC pipe and AXIS guided boring system

Engineers, utility managers, contractors and other water industry professionals saw firsthand how they can save time and money with Certa-Lok restrained-joint PVC pipe from CertainTeed and the Vermeer AXIS laser guided boring system at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) 2012 Annual Conference & Exposition, June 10-13 in Dallas, Texas. "The time- and field-proven performance of Certa-Lok's spline-locking technology coupled with AXIS' exceptional boring control and precision create an ideal alternative for the replacement or addition of potable water, force main sewer and in particular, gravity sewer systems," said John Coogan, channel marketing and communications manager for CertainTeed's Pipe & Foundations Group. "Unlike other pipe materials, Certa-Lok will not corrode over time, and because it doesn't require special tools or adhesives to install, it can easily be assembled in the pit as pullback continues."

In response to growing recognition of the economic and environmental advantages of trenchless pipe installation and replacement, CertainTeed recently expanded its Certa-Lok offering to include an integral bell option on its 4-, 6- and 8-inch C900 pipe. The company also added a 14-inch diameter C905 option. All Certa-Lok pipe features a mechanical joining system, which utilizes a combination of precision-machined grooves and a nylon spline to provide exceptional tensile strength in pulling or pushing operations. Rounding out the design, a flexible elastomeric gasket provides a solid pressure-certified hydraulic seal.

Unlike HDPE or fusible PVC pipe, Certa-Lok enabled pipe products do not require costly on-site fusion operations and can be assembled in real time as pullback continues, eliminating the need to string out several hundred feet of pipe within or beyond the work zone.

The Vermeer AXIS laser guided boring system is a pit-launched trenchless installation method designed to achieve pinpoint, on-grade accuracy while eliminating many of the difficult steps associated with other installation techniques. It is optimized for pipeline installations up to 350 ft. in length, which is ideal for manhole-to-manhole projects. Most importantly, it is fully capable of maintaining precise on-grade accuracy, which is critically required for gravity sewer pipe systems.

A closed-circuit camera integrated into the drill head allows the operator to constantly monitor the line and grade of the bore via a laser guide. As the bore continues, displaced soil is vacuumed out through a hollow section in the drill head, eliminating the need to suspend drilling to manually handle spoil.

"Much of the sewer and water pipelines installed over the past 100 years are reaching the end of their useful life, presenting a significant challenge to municipalities faced with replacing and expanding their infrastructure," said Jason Zylstra, marketing manager for Vermeer. "Vermeer's AXIS system and Certa-Lok restrained-joint PVC pipe present a cost-effective solution for ensuring a strong national infrastructure that will stand the test of time."



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