Microtrenching and its benefits for laying fiber cable
Laying fiber cable in congested urban spaces has become increasingly costly and grueling. Although a relatively new technique, Microtrenching is quickly gaining ground as a preferred technique for deploying fiber beneath asphalt or concrete.
Let’s take quick look at what this technique is and how it can benefit you.
What is Microtrenching?
As the name suggests, Microtrenching is an installation method in which
a narrow and relatively shallow trench is cut, typically on one side of an
asphalt roadway. Trench width generally ranges from about 30
mm to 130 mm (1.2 to 5.1 in) with a depth of 500 mm (20 in)
or less. A duct is laid at the bottom of the narrow
trench through which the fiber optic cable is then pulled. Once the fiber is
laid, the trench is backfilled with the appropriate material depending on the location-
it can be filled with soil if the trench is in a grassy area, or it can be filled
with a grout compound if it is on a pavement.
Microtrenching is gaining popularity because it offers several advantages over traditional techniques like trenching and drilling. Below are some of the pros of Microtrenching.
1. Cost Effective
Microtrenching offers considerable cost savings owing to the following three factors:
a. Upfront cost of a Microtrencher is lower than the traditional trenching equipment like a directional drill. It can often be purchased as an attachment and used with an existing equipment (like Vermeer RX550 Ride-on tractor), resulting in considerable savings. Additionally, you do not need to invest in an ancillary equipment like an excavator to work with a microtrencher.
b. Since Microtrenching does not require tearing up large portions of ground, it is possible to cover more area with a smaller crew of installers, helping you save on the labor cost. The shallow depth of a microtrencher also means that it would not encounter tree roots and other existing utilities, making the overall installation process easier, efficient, and safer.
One of the biggest advantages of Microtrenching is that it causes
minimal disruption to the traffic, and the local ecosystem around the worksite.
The trench itself is just a few inches wide and deep so it does not pose much
of a safety hazard people and around. The amount of street closures required
while laying fiber can be brought down significantly with Microtrenching.
One of the biggest advantages of Microtrenching is that it causes
minimal disruption to the traffic, and the local ecosystem around the worksite.
The trench itself is just a few inches wide and deep so it does not pose much
of a safety hazard people and around. The amount of street closures required
while laying fiber can be brought down significantly with Microtrenching.
To fully leverage the benefits of Microtrenching, you must adhere to the best practices like- using the right equipment, using high quality ducts, and following correct cutting procedures. In certain situations, like repavement of a sidewalk, fiber laid at a shallow depth may run a risk of being exposed to the surface. In such cases, when you want to deploy the cables at a higher depth then what is possible by Microtrenching, you may use conventional trenchers or drills.
Microtrenching is a promising technique that can help you save money and improve efficiency while working in business districts and congested urban areas. You should consider various factors at the jobsite to decide whether it is the right technology for your work.
Reach out to your local Vermeer BC dealership to learn more or to book a demo on a machine!