What are the Benefits of No-Dig Technology?
The history of no-dig (trenchless) technology in the United States dates back to the mid-1970’s. OBIC’s owners have been in the no-dig business for nearly 20 years. It’s what we do. It’s how we think about wastewater rehabilitation. But just because we think that way doesn’t mean we shouldn’t slow down a little, review the basics, and “dig” into the benefits of no-dig technology.
Instead of open cut excavation to gain access for repair or replacement of the structure, as the name suggests, no-dig allows for those repairs with minimal or no excavation. We’re all in the sewer business together and we do realize that there are those rare occasions when the host structure is too far gone and cannot be safely rehabilitated, making dig-and-replace the only viable solution.
So outside of this situation, why do we think no-dig technology is the best approach to underground infrastructure repair?
No-dig technology offers many advantages over traditional methods:
Cost-Savings
Traditional “dig and replace” methods include costs for labor, the displacement of earth, and many hours spent restoring or replacing the structure. No-dig technology is a more cost-effective method of replacing deteriorating structures without digging, which provides significant cost-savings to municipalities and ratepayers alike.
Time-Savings
Because no-dig makes use of the existing structure, extensive excavation is no longer needed, which drastically shortens the length of the process. Obviously, decreasing project time and materials make an OBIC manhole rehabilitation cheaper than replacing with a new one. But here’s something else to think about– you can also eliminate the costs and risk of possibly contaminated soil and debris removal and disposal caused by digging up an old manhole structure. One final benefit of no-dig is that by avoiding the need for excavation, streets can be kept open and functioning while work progresses, which is a win-win for everyone. So overall, no-dig eliminates paving, reduces traffic interruptions, minimizes community disruption, and provides a quick return to service.
Risk Mitigation
This proven technology is an environmentally-sound alternative for infrastructure rehabilitation as it will not require heavy or loud equipment and the risk for potential air and water pollution is mitigated. For the same reason, there is a reduced carbon footprint. It is said that dig-and-replace projects consume up to 50 times more energy than no-dig methods, so with fewer CO2 emissions, there are less greenhouse gases. One often overlooked but very important benefit of no-dig technology is the reduction of health and safety risks for workers. In 2019 alone, trench collapses caused 24 deaths, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and OSHA has made trenching and excavation hazards a priority goal.
The OBIC Advantage
OBIC offers no-dig water and wastewater structure rehabilitation options that provide long-term solutions to costly and sometimes dangerous situations. Our no-dig sewer rehab solutions mean that your systems can be back up and running with minimal downtime, offering a cost-effective solution with a faster return on investment. When you see our trademark orange color, you know it’s OBIC quality.
Ready to start your next project?
Learn more about OBIC’s no-dig technology at www.obicproducts.com. You can also send an email to info@obicproducts.com or call 866-636-4854 and our team will be happy to answer any questions about your next project.