Pipe Ramming Shines in Rocky Mountain 1,000 Year Flood Event

摘要

In September 2013 a frontal boundary stalled over Colorado resulting in catastrophic flooding along the front rangernof the Rocky Mountains. According to the National Weather Service, the rainfalls and the resulting floodsrnamounted to a 1/1000-probability event, more commonly referred to as a 1,000-year flood. Jefferson County,rnColorado was one of 14 counties declared as disaster areas by the federal government.rnExisting culverts could not keep up with the heavy rains, and water backed up behind embankments, eventuallyrncausing destruction of existing culverts or causing entire railroad embankments to wash out. To mitigate additionalrnwashout and prevent further damage to the rail lines, Horizontal Boring & Tunneling Co.(HB&T), Exeter, Nebraska,rnwas contracted by a major rail carrier to install several culverts to facilitate the drainage required to handle rainfallrnand runoff. The project initially included four crossings with 48-inch diameter casings, 71m (235 LF) each and inrnthe end twelve crossings were completed.rnTrenchless pipe ramming continues to prove its value, especially in situations that require quick mobilization,rneffective casing or culvert installation and extra care regarding surface protection in sensitive areas like roadwaysrnand rail lines. Last year’s massive rainfall event in Colorado created just that type of situation.