Pipe & Excavation Contracting

Pipe and Excavation Contracting by Dave Roberts; published by Craftsman Book Co; (2011). Pipeline contracting can be rewarding work – or a profitable sideline for any excavation contractor. This practical manual can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as an underground utility contractor. Pipe and Excavation Contracting is filled with drawings, pictures, charts, checklists and examples, it can help build a career as a successful pipeline contractor. Getting the Job: Finding work you should bid, dealing with the contracting authority, reading plans and computing quantities (for both trench and surface excavation), figuring realistic crew and equipment productivity rates (cycle times), estimating unit costs, bidding rock work, adding your overhead and profit, keeping the errors out, and getting the bonds you need. A complete sample estimate is included for your reference. Doing the Work: Following the surveyor’s reference stakes, checking grade and line with an optical level, transit and pipe laser, clearing the site, the best ways to remove asphalt and rock (with splitters and explosives) and handle steep slopes or high ground water (including dewatering). Separate chapters explain how to install all common types of water and sewer pipe. Using the Equipment: How to choose the right equipment and use it to best advantage: track and wheel backhoes, loaders, dozers graders, scrapers, trucks, compactors, shoring and trench boxes.