Fusible PVC™ Installed via Pipe Bursting for Ypsilanti M-17 Water Main Replacement Project

In April 2007, Underground Solutions, Inc. (UGSI) contracted with Six-S/C&G Myers Construction of Milford, MI and Midwest Trenchless Services of Grant, MI to provide UGSI’s Fusible C-900^® and Fusible C-905^® pipe and fusion services for a water main installation along Michigan State Route M-17. The Fusible PVC™ pipe, installed using a combination of pipe bursting and directional drilling, replaced existing cast iron water pipe under streets and sidewalks. In total, 7,920 LF of Fusible PVC™ was successfully installed via trenchless methods.

Pipeline Details and Project Summary

UGSI’s Fusible PVC™ pipe was selected for its ability to provide the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) with a 200 psi PVC pipe with the added benefits of a gasket-less, leak free, fully-restrained pipe system. Fusible PVC™ replaced the existing cast iron line which was statically burst. Reconnections to the Fusible PVC™ were made with standard MJ fittings and service saddles.

Troy Freed, of Midwest Trenchless Services, stated: “Our team put the 8″ and 12” DR14 Fusible C-900^® to the test on this project with some lengthy pull-ins. We were pleased with its ability to be pulled long lengths, and then be reconnected and tapped without any issues.”

Scott Westover, P.E. with YCUA, welcomed the use of Fusible PVC™ due to the need to upsize the capacity of YCUA’s 200 psi rated system using trenchless methods. The majority of the water main was installed via static-pull pipe bursting along with several directional drills performed by Midwest Trenchless Services. Midwest Trenchless has several active projects utilizing Fusible PVC™ pipe in Michigan and Indiana.