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Ground drilling for linear structures — manholes, markings, noise barriers

Linear structures — culverts, traffic signs, noise barriers, lighting columns and conduits — are installed at hundreds of points in a regular grid along the road or route. Ground anchors allow for travel along the route without concrete work and with an immediately loadable base, so the work section is released from traffic immediately after the structure is installed. The Glentor C65 model works closely with the structure on one lane thanks to lateral installation.

Specificities of linear structures

The linear construction differs from the flat design in four respects, which directly determine the choice of technology and machinery.

Hundreds of points in the regular season. The spacing between the base points is usually in the order of units of meters and repeats along the entire length of the route. Therefore, what matters is not the performance at one point, but the time for that point multiplied by the number of points — and the ability of the machine to move smoothly without re-arming.

Work in operation. The route is usually not closed. Work is being carried out on one lane of traffic, under temporary traffic signs, often at night. Every day when the base is not sufficient to accommodate traffic, the restriction period is extended.

Protection zones of engineering networks. Along the roads there are cable lines, water pipes, gas pipes and fiber optics. Interference with the protective zone has its own regime — and the point base is located in a different position than the continuous trench.

Variable longitudinal profile. The route passes through a ditch, a notch, and a transition between the overgrown terrain and compacted roadside vegetation. The soil profile changes along its length without the project changing.

Funfairs and landfills. In concrete work, there needs to be space for the material, equipment, and wet processes along the entire route. That is exactly what is most expensive and most difficult to implement in linear construction.

Why ground piles for linear structures

Immediate loadability. The groove can be filled immediately after drilling. The section can be installed and opened for operation in the same direction in which it was laid — in the case of a concrete base, the same section remains inoperative until it hardens.

Minimal downtime and no wet processes. Demolition of the retaining walls, mixing, disposal of rubble and removal of the excavation along the route are eliminated. The excavation area is reduced to the space of the machine and the work point.

Point impact on the surface. Instead of a continuous excavation, a hole is created at the point of each screw. This is particularly important in the landscape setting and on paved surfaces — more detailed information can be found in advice on laying on paved surfaces.

Documentation for each point. The telematics unit records the torque and depth of each turn. In the case of a linear structure, where there are hundreds of virtually identical points, this is the only practical way to document the performance and durability along the entire length of the route.

Reversibility during translations. The routes are being expanded, the signage is being relocated, and the barriers are being added. The rut is being dug up and installed elsewhere — the concrete slab has to be removed and transported away.

Weather independence. Turning is not a wet process. The risk of temperature fluctuations during solidification and the limitation of working days in the transition period are eliminated.

Establishment in the protective zone of engineering networks

This is the most sensitive part of linear structures and is always handled in the same way:

  1. Designation of networks by administrators. Before starting work, a statement and the designation of all the networks in the route are requested. Without the designation, work cannot proceed.
  2. Verification probe at critical points. In places where the line of points intersects the designated grid, a manually-drilled probe is performed or the point is moved according to the project.
  3. DTH drill through hard casing. Where there is over a load-bearing layer of asphalt or compacted substrate, a DTH pre-drill is used — controlled and without causing any damage to the surrounding area.
  4. Continuous recording of depth and moment. The unexpected increase in torque at an unusual depth is an immediate signal to stop. The recording also serves as evidence for the network administrator.

 

The specific working conditions in the protection zone are determined by the network operator’s statement and the relevant regulations for the specific type of operation. The scope and depth of the intervention must be agreed upon before the work begins.

Recommended machine for linear construction

Glentor C65 — primary election. What matters is side-mountingThe boom is mounted on the side of the machine, so the C65 can travel along the route and swing close to the guardrail, curb or existing structure — without having to turn around and without requiring clearance in front of the machine. For line construction in a single lane configuration, this is a fundamental difference.

In addition, the C65 is the only model in the series that can handle a twist in 3.5m and to the pilot 4.3 m And it can be equipped with the MTB36 hydraulic hammer (impact energy 900 J, up to 900 impacts per minute). On a route where driven piles and driven profiles alternate — typically in noise-reducing walls and columns — the need for a second machine is eliminated. The C65 can also be supplied as a single-purpose drilling machine.

Glentor B80 — an alternative for an open profile. Where there is plenty of space around the point and no longer-drawn holes are required, the B80 offers the highest torque in its class (8,000 Nm) and higher speeds in lighter profiles (2,000 Nm at 85 rpm). Suitable for marking, fencing and handrails outside of a tight communication profile.

CriterionC65B80
Screw installationsidefront
6,500 Nm / 20 rpm8,000 Nm / 20 rpm
Downward force12,000 N12,000 N
Max. screw / pilot3.5 m / 4.3 m2.5 metres
Hydraulic breakerMTB36, 900 Jno
Mass3 050 / 3 250 kg2,480 kg
Suitable forchimneys, soundproof walls, work in profilemarking, fencing, open profile

Implementation process — step by step

  1. Project preparation and statements by network operators. The static engineer determines the type and length of the screw and the spacing of the points according to the load on the structure. All engineering networks in the route will be specified and marked.
  2. Geotechnical base along the length of the route. Because the profile changes along the route, the load-bearing capacity is verified at the representative points of each section, not just at one location. Eurocode 7.
  3. Temporary traffic signs and impounding. Establishing a workplace in accordance with the approved transport engineering measure, usually in one lane or in the night window.
  4. Gradual turning along the route. The machine moves along the route, marking each point. When laying down on the side, no need to rotate between points. The moment and depth are recorded for each point.
  5. Checking the alignment and position. Verification of deviation from the projected position and orientation at each point, protocolly.
  6. Reinforcement of the structure and release of the section. The joint, bar or panel is installed immediately after drilling. The finished section is ready for use without waiting for curing.

Working at night and during operation

Nighttime implementation is more the rule than the exception for linear structures — and turning for it has two practical advantages. Remote control means the operator is outside the machine with a direct view of the point and outside the path of passing vehicles. And because it is a process without wet phases, the nighttime temperature drop has no effect on the result.

The noise load is determined by the machine’s combustion engine, comparable to conventional construction equipment. For nighttime work near residential areas, we recommend verifying the local noise limits in advance and planning the work within the permitted hours. If a hydraulic hammer is used in the section, the noise footprint is higher than when drilling itself, and it is advisable to assess it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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