Key factors influencing the overall costs and project values of broadband access network upgrades

1

Telecom Italia experience with the use of NO-DIG
techniques
Renato Polidoro Giovanni Ciochetto
2
Telecom Italia requirements

• reduction of environmental impact
• reduction of social and indirect costs
• use of new technologies
• improvement of possibility of obtaining permits

3
Techniques used for the installation of new pipes

• directional drilling
• directional rock drilling
• rod pusher
• microtunnelling
• impact moling

4
Evolution of the application of no-dig techniques
(I)
YESTERDAY
Works impossible to perform with
traditional digging techniques
CROSSINGS
5
Fields of application (1990-1993)
Urban works (3)
Non urban long. works (15)
Crossings (82)
6
Evolution of the application of no-dig techniques
(II)
TODAY
- consolidation of technical know-how -
performance improvement - cost reduction (equal
to traditional digging costs)

• LONGITUDINAL
• WORKS

- small machines - no drilling mud - starting
point in manholes/chambers

• URBAN WORKS
• (broadband network)

• DIRECTIONAL ROCK DRILLING

7
Fields of application (1994-1997)
Crossings (7)
Urban works (19)
Longitudinal works (74)
8
Total drilling lengths (km)
250
200
150
100
50
0
97
96
95
94
93
90-92
9
Data-base NO-DIG
data from the field - Questionnaire -
- performance - ground nature -
obstacles/critical points - drilling diameter
10
Ground Penetrating Radar
Improvement in detection of buried utilities
Automated output of utilities map
Ground nature investigation
RIS System
11
International cooperation
ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union)
SG6 - Outside plant
Question 12/6 Trenchless techniques for the
construction of underground infrastructures
for telecommunication cables installation
12
Conclusion (I)
- regular use of no-dig techniques for crossings
and longitudinal works
- development of no dig techniques for urban
environment and rock drilling
- development of new GPR system
- implementation of a data-base relevant to
no-dig works
- international cooperation (IATT, ITU-T,
EURESCOM)
13
Conclusion (II)
- promotion of the use of innovative
technologies by contractor
- stimulus for manufacturers (drilling
machines and GPR equipment)
- promotion of no-dig techniques among public
authorities and public opinion as a means of
reducing environmental and social impact