FROM SAINT-GOBAIN PAM - Saint Gobain Pipe Systems

Project (Panama).
Reusing
natural soils
www.pamline.com page 19
The sturdiness of ductile iron pipelines allows for the reuse of natural soil
for backfilling trenches.
IN CONTACT WITH THE EARTH,
NATURALLY
Laying pipelines may require the excavation of large
amounts of earth, which may be as much as 5 to 10 times the
volume of the pipeline laid. All too often, this earth is dumped
and replaced with imported backfill.
Taking account of all phases of the operations, ranging
from production to installation to the entire life cycle of the
installation, is essential in order to ensure the correct approach
to sustainable development. The environmental impact of
the laying phase is of particular importance. Disposing of the
excavated earth and importing backfill is restrictive, costly and
impacts the environment. Certain studies have shown that the
environmental impact during laying is far higher than during
the manufacturing phase. This has led to an analysis of the life
cycle that is currently in progress.
A series of simple actions have already been implemented
in order to reduce native soil materials as far as possible,
thereby considerably reducing the need to excavate the natural
environment, dumping and unnecessary lorry traffic.
The sturdy and solid nature of ductile iron pipelines,
together with their resistance to cracking and the active
properties of the coatings, allow for the use of native soil in
most cases (following the clearing of larger stones) as a covering
for the laying bed.
Saint-Gobain PAM has also developed product lines
adapted to trench-free laying processes, particulalry Horizontal
Directional Drilling. This is possible thanks to the development
of the new anchoring systems featured in our Universal Ve range.
As a result, several tens of kilometres of ductile iron pipes are
laid in Europe each year without the need for trenches. This
technique is experiencing rapid expansion.
• Promotion of the reuse of natural backfill instead of filler materials, thank to the resistance
and sturdiness of ductile iron pipelines.
• Limited inconvenience associated with laying extensions during the products lifetime.
• Design of systems that are faster to lay.
• Active promotion of trenchless laying technologies whenever appropriate. Highlights
Pipeline project to
supply water to the
cities of Algiers
and Tizi-Ouzou
2008 edition