Already operating a successful open cut business in Western Australia, Fremantle Drainage took the decision following extensive (and expensive!) research to invest in no~dig technology purchasing its first machine, a Soltau RVS80 in September 1997.

To coincide with the anniversary of this purchase and to reaffirm their commitment to trenchless technology in Australia, the company recently amalgamated with Fremantle Boring and in so doing changed its name to Fremantle Drainage and Microtunnelling. Sean Furey, co~owner with partners Graeme Bone and Steve Furey asserts "The change in name reflects our commitment to trenchless applications, our long term vision for this technology within Australia and our firm belief that microtunnelling can and will co-exist (and in fact complement) traditional open cut methods into the 21 st Century".

 Microtunnelling Applications

As a leader in microtunnelling in Australia, Fremantle Drainage & Microtunnelling believe the onus lies with them to better educate the planners and decision makers that this technology is a cost effective method of laying underground pipelines and to ensure that the applications for it are identified during the planning stage.

While it is acknowledged that not all applications lend themselves to microtunnelling in terms of cost efficiency, in urban areas or where environmental factors are of consideration, the merits of microtunnelling as opposed to traditional open cut methods are significant. "Certainly the direct costs of microtunnelling appear prohibitive on the face of it, however this is often counterbalanced by the social and political costs which are becoming more and more evident in built up areas " said Sean.

 Various factors may influence the decision to adopt trenchless technology; Specifically.

 A recent project undertaken by Fremantle Drainage & Microtunnelling for the East Perth Redevelopment Authority illustrates where trenchless construction comes into its own.

The contract in Brook Street, East Perth involved microtunnelling approximately 80 metres of 225mm diameter sewer pipe under a highly trafficable roadway and under a public open space area. To minimise disruption and prohibitive restoration costs and to maintain access to St. John Ambulance, the Project Manager, Mr. John Kirby of Kinhill Group Pty Ltd recommended the client adopt trenchless construction methods.

"Brook Street, formerly a land fill area, presented a significant challenge with building rubble, sand and some clay present" said Sean. The two drives were completed within time and on budget. Sean went on to add "it is useful when the contract manager has a grasp of the technology and its application. We were fortunate on this project, John understands both and has been a strong advocate of trenchless applications in Western Australia".

 Conclusion

 Ultimately, if the market for microtunnelling is to be expanded to its full potential, end customers must be made aware of the technology and associated benefits so they will request these methods for use in future projects. "I believe Engineers and Contract Managers have a responsibility to keep abreast of advances in trenchless technology and offer their clients the choice in terms of cost versus impact. Certainly forums such as the recent ASTT "No Dig" Conference held in Brisbane provide an ideal stage to ensure that this education process is maximised and provide company's such as ours the opportunity to keep abreast of latest developments" said Sean.

For all your microtunnelling needs please feel free to contact Sean Furey at Fremantle Drainage and Microtunnelling on mobile 0412 527 645.

By Sean Furey

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