Piping

The fabrication and installation of both concrete and steel pipe can be effectively accomplished through the use of existing automated technologies.  Directional boring equipment is available for installing underground utilities without digging a trench.  When large sized concrete pipe is to be placed, automated pipe laying systems are available that greatly reduce the exposure of workers to trench cave-ins.  Orbital welding allows for the efficient and accurate welding of pipe resulting in better quality and fewer unsatisfactory welds.

Example Automated Technologies: 

The following are examples of automated technologies that are currently available for pipe fabrication and installation:

Common Limiting Design Features

The following are examples of design features that often limit the use of automated technologies for pipe fabrication and installation:

• Inadequate access available that prevents the equipment from getting to the work.

• Inadequate clearance for operation of the equipment.

• The presence of obstructions in the work area preventing efficient movement of the equipment.

• Irregularly shaped and sized pipe.

• Pipe size, shape, and length inconsistent throughout the project.

Recommended Design Practices

The following are examples of suggested design practices that facilitate the use of automated pipe fabrication and installation technologies during construction:

 Pipe placement:

• Use repetitive pipe sizes, lengths, shapes throughout the project.

• Use long, straight lengths.

• Use pipe of similar material throughout the project.

• Allow for unobstructed views of work areas around the site.

 Pipe fabrication:

• Design to maximize shop fabrication of welded and bent pipe.

• Provide access for a welding head for field welds by leaving two feet between connections and joints.

• Use repetitive pipe sizes, lengths, shapes throughout the project.

• Use long, straight lengths.

• Use pipe of similar material throughout the project.

Expected Benefits

The following are examples of benefits that have been realized from the use of automated pipe fabrication and installation technologies during construction:

• Increased productivity of pipe fabrication.

• Improved fabrication quality with fewer unsatisfactory pipe welds.

• Improved productivity and accuracy of pipe installation.

• Decreased worker exposure to safety and health hazards related to fabrication and placement of pipe.

• Less disruption to the project when pipe is manufactured offsite.

Example productivity improvements that have been realized: