The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) has updated its definition of microtunnelling to formally include vacuum technology for spoil handling.
Vacuum technology has been used successfully in these installations for many years, but has not previously been recognised in official definitions. The change follows efforts by Edge Underground CEO, Stuart Harrison, in collaboration with the ISTT and the Japanese Society for Trenchless Technology (JSTT), to bring clarity to this issue.
“For years, companies using vacuum microtunnelling technology have faced challenges, with competitors using slurry machines often dismissing their bids as non-conforming, despite hundreds of kilometres of successful vacuum microtunnelling projects in Australia,” Mr Harrison said.
“With the ISTT’s formal recognition, this technology can now be positioned on an equal footing, helping to streamline bid processes and allowing for greater competition in project tenders.
“This change represents a major development in the industry and could have wide-reaching implications, particularly as local Australian bodies and agencies begin to adopt these new standards. It also opens the world to the possibility of vacuum technologies and all their benefits.”
For more information, visit www.istt.com/index/guidelines.
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