CRAMPING IS THE STYLE : CONTRACTOR FINDS WAYS TO DEAL WITH CONTINUOUS TIGHT QUARTERS ALONG THE ROADSIDE

This article describes some techniques used by a contractor on a job requiring gas pipe to be laid alongside a busy roadway. The company set aside most of its fleet of conventional excavators for near-zero tail swing models. The new models have performed above expectations and have not proved any less effective than conventionally designed machines. The excavators the company uses are named "bobtails" by the crew chief, who likes the fact that they don't protrude more than 5.5 inches from the track and don't take up more than 13 ft. 1 in. of the road width. This allows it to work on one lane of a two-lane road without forcing the shutdown of the entire roadway. On a four-lane road, three lanes can continue to operate, removing the need for a flagger. The model selected has a 14,021 lb. counterweight, giving it stability when digging roadside trenches in close quarters and lifting pipe into place. The machines are leased on long-term basis, ensuring continuity in maintenance and service, yet relieving the company of ownership if future use for the equipment is not anticipated.

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  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Page range: pp 36-37, 63
  • Corporate Authors:

    Scranton Gillette Communications

    380 E Northwest Highway, Suite 200
    Des Planes, IL  United States  60016-2282
  • Authors:
    • Wilde, E
  • Publication Date: 2003-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00966183
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
  • Files: BTRIS, TRIS
  • Created Date: Dec 3 2003 12:00AM