What is a Cross Bore?
"A cross bore is the intersection of an existing underground utility or underground structure by a second utility installed using trenchless technology. This results in an intersection of the utilities, compromising the integrity of either, or both, utility or the underground structure."
With the ever growing popularity of trenchless technologies for once labor intensive repair jobs, the risks of cross bores has been an increasing risk that may result in dangerous and disruptive situations if not handled properly.
Where Does Cross Boring Occur?
Cross boring occurs in underground utilities such as :
Sewer lines
Water mainlines
Storm drains
Natural gas pipes
Gas pipes
Other underground utilities
It is important to be aware of the places cross boring can occur and to always seek professional help in locating cross bores before any major project to avoid extensive damage. But how do you locate cross bores?
Cross Bore Locating
When cross bores exist in a sanitary sewer or storm drain system, it presents a tremendously hazardous situation. Using a combination of CCTV inspection cameras and with highly accurate GPS data collection, we are quickly able to locate cross bores in any underground utility.
Trenchless technologies (moles, plows, horizontal directional drilling, etc.) have been utilized since the 1970s to bore natural gas lines in the United States. On the surface, natural gas line boring seems non-invasive. However, in reality, boring equipment is manufactured to penetrate almost anything in its path.
This is why raising cross bore awareness is so essential with the ever growing popularity of trenchless technologies and more companies coming out with these services.
Raising Cross Bore Awareness
Construction activity continues to increase across the country, underscoring the need for steadfast dedication to prevent damages to underground facilities. Cross bores, or intersections of existing underground utilities by a second utility during installation, are enduring problems carrying potentially dangerous consequences. When analyzing the underlying causes of cross bores, as well as alternative ways to address and reduce them, a lack of consistency and clarity is evident among the key stakeholders.
Close working relationships between contractors and their customers in the gas distribution industry can go a long way to reduce cross bores. However, further action is needed by gas utilities, local, and state governmental agencies, as well as federal government to ultimately turn the reduction of cross bores in total prevention.
We at Cloud 9 Services believes the following practices and actions will collectively help raise awareness and prevent cross bore scenarios and facility damages across the country.
Hire a Professional Cross Bore Locating Company
When you schedule a cross bore locating service, out team at Cloud 9 Services will obtain existing information about the area -- including schematics and reports about the lines that may be below the surface. This is helpful because other lines are not always visible. When the work begins, an applicable manhole or another point of entry will be opened.
Our CCTV camera will be inserted into the pipe and begin to scan for cross bores. As the camera scans the pipes, it will reveal the additional connections that might exist. The camera will move throughout each pipe, from the entry point to where it enters the building's foundation.
If you are in need of more information or want to schedule a cross bore locating or inspection service, contact Cloud 9 Services, 407-481-2750, and one of our cross bore locating specialists would be happy to assist you.
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