Application of simulation in trenchless renewal of underground urban infrastructure

Pipe bursting is a type of trenchless technology that enables the construction, rehabilitation, or replacement of underground urban infrastructure with minimal disruption to surface activity. This construction process facilitates the installation of sewer pipes and gas mains of similar or larger diameters at the same location as existing lines. The upsizing capability is particularly relevant in situations where greater flow capacities are required due to increased urbanization. The paper presents an application of a simulation platform developed at the University of Alberta called Simphony, used to create a special purpose simulation application of the pipe bursting process. Results obtained from this model can assist owners, engineers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers in designing and planning pipe bursting projects