Trench Installations
Trenching of all types and sizes of ducts and conduits is a common practice but HDPE does require the proper preparation of the trench for optimum performance when pulling or jetting cables through the trenched duct.
USING A TRENCHER
Trenchers of all types – from portable walk-behind to large chain tractor and wheel/rockwheel types – are used to construct trenches for HDPE duct applications. The key when using the trencher is to keep the trench depth as even as possible and the width proportional to the ducts or bundles being placed in the trench.
EXCAVATOR TRENCHING
Trench construction using these devices to construct trenches – typically, for shorter excavations in populated or urban areas – requires more care regarding keeping the bottom level and free of large rocks or perturbances that could damage the HDPE duct over time. The duct or bundles need to be placed and preferably anchored into a bottom corner to minimize undulation that will affect cable pulling or jetting distance performance.
