Why use Microtrenching? – How RoadLink is using microtrenching to make network installations simple.

Innovations in concrete don’t come along every day – this method attempts to break the mould in terms of traditional utility installation.

Installing new technology into old suburbs and city centers comes with a long list of responsibilities – how to avoid damaging the current services, how to be cost effective, and how to keep well within the budget and timeline of the project. Access points for wiring and networks are often long-buried, or don’t have room for new additions to the current structure. Microtrenching is a terrific option to circumvent all of these challenges at once efficiently.

History:

Microtrenching was a niche method used for the past 25 years or so, but has made a bigger boom recently with the huge influx of fibre-optic and new internet technology. Efficient methods of running cable underground have taken many forms over the years, but to get underneath concrete and asphalt, you are going to need some serious capability. The average traditional solution has been to remove the area that needs access and rebuild afterwards. By utilizing microtrenching, contractors like RoadLink in San Antonio can drastically limit the amount of excavation and repair needed before and after the job.

Companies like Roadlink are becoming the standard for network installations. Last year, Fortune business insights projected the underground utility market to grow by over 11% over the next 10 years. Source

How microtrenching works:

Once locates and routing plans are complete, and the site is ready for excavation, the trench can be dug. The “Micro trench” is typically only a couple inches wide – or just enough for the network lines to fit in, and usually about 12in deep, depending on the municipality requirements. The utilities placed in these trenches can now reside underneath the concrete or asphalt, without digging up the whole roadway.

Where Concrete Makes the Difference

Just like regular excavation or any other utility industry, there’s a repair process for after the network is hooked up. That’s where Roadlink’s Titans come in. Often, a volumetric is used in tandem with smaller placement solutions such as a grout paddle mixer/dispenser machine or skid steer attachment.

Being able to control the timing and mix variations when restoring microtrenching access is crucial to the job success and efficiency. Municipal jobs are highly dependent on timeline and capability when it comes to winning bids that make your business money. With a Titan, companies can easily reduce wasted time and labour waiting on site for concrete to show up, or due to site delays. Not only does a volumetric save time, but it also only provides the specific amount of concrete needed for the job, which means short load and disposal fees are completely eliminated from the equation. Slump and cement content changes can also be made on the fly, because the concrete is being made fresh on the spot.

With technology changing faster by the day, staying ahead of the curve on industrial applications is critical for companies trying to compete in an ever-changing infrastructure landscape.

Interested in upgrading your utility restoration process? Contact our team today to discuss how volumetric mixing can support your specific business needs!

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