Top 100: Big-Diameter Pipe Bursting

Sept. 28, 2010

The Grundoburst 2500G static pipe-bursting system from TT Technologies generates 625,000 pounds of pulling force and is designed to open up existing steel and ductile-iron pipe with diameters from 24 to 48 inches. As the 2500G works, a special bladed-roller cutting head is pulled through the host pipe, splitting it, and then forcing the fragmented pipe into the surrounding soil with an expander attached to the roller frame. Simultaneously, of course, the 2500G pulls in new pipe. The machine also uses QuickLock bursting rods that are self-aligning and simply latch together (no threading). Estimated list price: $200,000.