GB2409254A - Service positioning and sequencing template - Google Patents

Abstract

A service positioning and sequencing template comprises a free-standing structure to be placed in an open excavated trench 15 for positioning cables, ducts and pipes to be buried in a pre-determined configuration, preferably having slots 14 facilitating vertical and horizontal positioning. Preferably the structure has stabilisers 13 which are either attached pre-assembled or fitted during installation, and is made of metal, wood, plastics, paper or a combination of these materials.

Description

24092S4 AID ^ / IS MARC The invention relates to a free standing template

structure for accurately positioning and sequencing the installation of buried services, in an open excavated trench, including Electricity cables, Water and Gas pipes and British Tclccom ducts, prior to backfilling.

Current installations of all buried services beneath highway footpaths arc carried out in accordance with a specification recommended by the National Roads and Strect Works Act.

The Act determines that each cable, duct and pipe beneath the footpath be positioned at a specific depth below ground level and at a set distance from a fixed point, which the herb is.

When future excavations take place within the footpath, the buried services should be easily locatable, if installed to the correct specifications and therefore the risk of damaging the services and potential hazards to operatives working in close proximity to live services be reduced.

Furthcrmorc, when installing the services, the sequence of laying each individual pipe, duct and cable is governed by the depth at which they must be positioned.

For example the deepest of all services is the water pipe. Consequently the water pipe must be installed and backfilled before any other service is pipe can be laid.

The next utility pipe in sequence is the gas pipe which, again, must be laid and backfilled prior to any other service laying and so on.

Due to this sequencing arrangcmcut and the need to organise the respective Statutory Authorities to carry out their work within given periods of time delays are common and costs arc increased as a result.

Also, because sequencing of work is frequently not adhered to the positions of buried services

do not comply with the recommended specification.

Accordingly this invention provides a free-standing template which will be placed on the bottom of an open excavated trench and will form a profile of all of the specified dimensions for each service by way of cut out slots in the template.

A number of identical templates will be placed at sct spacing along the length of the trench and each Authority or Utility company will place their services into their respective slots and in doing so will fix each cable into the exact location prior to backfilling.

This invention also has the major advantage of eradicating the strict sequencing arrangements and programming which is ncccssary, as any of the services may be placed in position before the trench is backfilled as one.

The template will be constructed of a plastic or reconstituted timber material but may be constructed of compressed cardboard of a biodegradable nature such as Cordcx.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with rcLerence to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figurc I shows in cross-section the recommended service layout, beneath a footpath, as recommended by the National Roads and Street Works Act.

Figure 2 shows a cut away perspective of two templates in position and supporting pipes cables and ducts.

Figure 3 shows a front elevation.

Figurc 4 shows a plan view.

Figurc 5 shows a side clcvation.

Figure 6 shows in perspective a part view of the stabilizer assembly.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the template in position when installed.

Figure I illustrates the positions in which each pipe, duct, and cable is dimensionally located.

Measurements are taken from the face of the kerb I, or herb brace 9, for horizontal alignment and from the surface of the footpath 10, or top of the herb brace 9, for depth.

Thc services arc labe}led: - Telecom 2, Water 3, (]as 4, Cable Television 5, Low Voltage Electricity 6, High Voltage Electricity 7, Strect Lighting or alternative Low Voltage Electricity position 8.

Thc template will comprise of a rectangular sheet of rigid material 12. Slots 14 will be made in the sheet 12 and cut to the recommended depths for each service, as shown in figure 1, into which the cables 2,3,4,S,6,7, 8 can be placed rcspectivcly.

The herb brace 9, which is constructed from concrete, defines the boundaries of the road 11 and also acts as a foundation for future laying of the herbs 1.

Although the kcrb brace 9 is not essential it also acts as a guide and level datum for excavation of the service trench 15.

Thc service trench 15 will be excavated to a set depth 2 0 to accommodate all of the required services 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and the template.

Thc template will be assembled on site by fitting the stabilizing pieces 13 to the template 12 as shown in figure 6 by utilising push-fit slots 16.

Once assembled the template 12 will be placed upon the base of the excavated trench 2t) so that the top of the template 12 is level with the top of the kerb brace 9, 17.

When the template 12 is in position along with other identical templates placed at set spacings, figure 2, services 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 may be lowered into their respective slots 14 in any sequence.

When all of the services 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 have been laid, the entire trench 15 can be backfilecd in one operation, with a self compacting material i 9, 20 such as stone dust or sand to prevent settlement ofthc footpath surface Tamac 10 and damgc to the services 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 from sharp protrusions and the like.

Claims (7)

1. I. A free-standing structure to be placed in an open excavated trench for positioning buried cables, ducts and pipes in a pre-determined configuration.
2. 2. A free-standing structure as claimed in claim I which enables buried cables, ducts and pipes within the same trench to be laid in any sequence.
3. 3. A free-standing structure in the form of a template which has preformed slots to position buried cables, ducts and pipes.
4. 4. A free-standing structure as claimed in claim 3 which incorporates stabilizers attached pre-assembled or fitted in-situ.
5. 5. A free-standing structure as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4 made of metal wood plastics paper or a combination of these materials.
6. 6. A Structure for positioning cables, ducts and pipes at pre-determined dimensions within a trench.
7. 7. A structure substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying ( .rawmgs.