The underground industry and the exponential growth in worldwide internet users are closely tied — utility workers are the bridge between the public and the infrastructure that connects them to the online world. In 1995, less than 1 percent of the world’s population had daily access to internet. In 2016, that figure is over 40 percent.
“We have seen bandwidth demands doubling every year, and telecom companies are struggling in urban areas to install new lines in a way that isn’t cost prohibitive or disruptive,” says Jon Kuyers, senior global products manager at Vermeer.
People have come to expect access to high-speed internet, but we aren’t always keen on interruptions to our daily routines. Given the demand for broadband installation without disturbances to already congested, urban areas, an alternative method is growing in popularity among utility contractors: microtrenching. This cost-effective installation process can provide the optimal solution for service providers and customers alike.
Related: Vermeer RTX550 utility trencher with microtrenching attachment
“Underneath the ground is an incredible amount of cable, pipe and existing infrastructure already in place,” says Kuyers. “It’s difficult in these areas to use typical trenching, drilling or any other construction method to install fiberoptics because there is limited space.”
What is microtrenching?
Microtrenching is a technique where a very narrow trench is cut into pavement, usually close to the seam where the road meets the curb. The trench generally ranges from .75 to 2.25 inches (1.9 – 5.7 cm) wide and 8 to 16 inches (20.3 – 40.6 cm) deep. Once the line is laid, a grout compound is used to fill in the trench. The seam is then sealed, which protects the line as well as restores the integrity of the road surface.
“Microtrenching is a viable solution to a growing demand in the utility segment,” says Kuyers. “In certain conditions, it has proven to be more cost-effective than some of the traditional installation methods.”
Productivity is a key benefit of microtrenching. This method can be faster — nearly twice as fast in some cases — than traditional trenching or directional drilling. Contractors have reported impressive installation statistics using microtrenching — anywhere from 800 to 3,000 feet (243.8 to 914.4 m) per day at a depth of 9 to 12 inches (22.9 to 30.5 cm), depending on the type of infrastructure.
An answer to a growing demand
Vermeer noticed how the fiber market was escalating in recent years, especially in urban areas. It was clear the existing infrastructure couldn’t handle the growing demand. That’s when Kuyers says Vermeer decided to deliver a solution to the market.
“In urban areas, telecom companies were struggling to balance the cost of microtrenching with traditional installation methods,” he says. “They were asking for a better way.”
Vermeer developed its microtrenching system based on the input of utility contractors. The Vermeer system is a combination of the RTX550 utility tractor, the MTR12 or MTR16 microtrenching attachment, and a McLaughlin vacuum system. After extensive testing, the products were ready for market.
No signs of stopping
If the past 20 years are any indication of what’s to come, the demand for internet access will remain steady and infrastructure will continue to need updating. Microtrenching is a solution Vermeer is committed to advancing in order to support our customers in the efforts of bringing internet to the world’s population.
“It takes time to get infrastructure in place nationwide,” Kuyers says. “The broadband demand is here; and if there is an opportunity, it’s just how quickly and cost-effectively we can put it in the ground.”
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