Mortimer on the Move

Hello, Mortimer here. Last summer I found myself in the sewers of Olathe, Kan., observing the installation of a 24-in. carrier pipe for a new sewer line. Boring contractor EJM Services really has its work cut out for them this time. Five bores in limestone, each a different length and depth, and still needing to maintain a .2 percent grade. The project started out with EJM using an auger machine, but because of the rocky ground conditions, they were unable to maintain a close enough grade to allow for the sewer line to pass inspection. EJM decided to try the Vermeer AXIS guided boring system. AXIS created the pilot bore on a perfect line and grade, and then the auger boring machine followed and expanded the opening further in order to install the steel casing. If that isn’t tricky enough, one bore pit was 42 ft deep, creating additional challenges from machine setup to general equipment staging.

After that, I headed down under. Theiss Services of Melbourne, VIC, Australia, used the AXIS system to install 24-in. concrete pipe 18 ft below ground as part of an ongoing multibillion-dollar upgrade to the passenger and commercial rail system in Melbourne. A complete rail shutdown gave all involved full access to the rail right-of-way and the ability to drill under the rail to replace gas and water services. During the shutdown, Theiss ran two AXIS machines around the clock to ensure the task could be completed in the allowed time. Theiss completed two bores 90 ft long at a steep -4 to -5 percent grade. No worries, mate!