#United States #Tampa #Northwest Pipe #Radial Bending Joint #Permalok

Northwest Pipe Company's Innovative Radial Bending Joint

Northwest Pipe Company, a leader in manufacturing water infrastructure products, has made waves with the introduction of their cutting-edge Permalok® Radial Bending Joint (RBJ) technology in a significant water pipeline project in Florida. This first commercial use of the RBJ marks a pivotal advancement in microtunneling, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of water pipeline installations.

What is the Permalok® RBJ?

The RBJ is a patented technology specifically designed to facilitate the installation of steel casing pipes along curved paths. This revolutionary method allows for trenchless applications in microtunneling, providing engineers with greater adaptability in navigation through challenging underground structures. By allowing the path of the pipeline to bend, the RBJ consistently overcomes obstacles such as existing utilities, monuments, and building foundations.

Advantages of the RBJ Technology

One of the standout features of the RBJ is its potential to minimize the construction footprint on job sites. With this technology, fewer shafts are necessary, saving time and costs while allowing for more precise tunneling over extended distances. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated areas where space constraints are often a concern.

In the ongoing South Hillsborough Pipeline project, Northwest Pipe is supplying 5,764 linear feet of their innovative steel casing pipe, featuring the RBJ. This ambitious project, overseen by Tampa Bay Water, aims to facilitate the transportation of up to 65 million gallons of water per day, from a treatment facility east of Tampa to areas in Lithia and Balm. Moreover, Garney serves as the construction manager while Huxted Trenchless operates as the microtunneling contractor.

Impact on Microtunneling

Scott Montross, President and CEO of NWPX Infrastructure, highlighted the transformative impact of the RBJ: "The RBJ is revolutionizing microtunneling. For the first time, steel casing pipe can be installed along a curved path in trenchless applications with ease. This remarkable capability allows for microtunneling shafts to be constructed within utility easements, which avoids the need for extra shafts and tunnels, thereby reducing overall project costs."

This technological advancement is not merely a step forward in pipe installation; it embodies a shift towards more sustainable practices in infrastructure development. By decreasing the necessary size of job sites and cutting down on the extent of tunneling required, the environmental impact is also notably reduced.

Conclusion

As NWPX Infrastructure continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-growing needs of water-related infrastructure, their commitment to quality and efficiency is evident. The successful integration of the Permalok® Radial Bending Joint into the South Hillsborough Pipeline project signifies a promising future for trenchless technologies and reinforced infrastructure across the United States.

To learn more about this trailblazing technology and its applications, visit Northwest Pipe Company's website.