D-Drill 'cuts it' on major manhole project

The team at D-Drill & Sawing proved they could ‘cut it’ when it comes to a major drainage project in Huddersfield.

The company, which has branches across the UK, was called in to cut through a 10.5 metre manhole ring that was 200mm too high in a live road in the town.

D-Drill & Sawing managers Kevin Latham and Lionel Whittemore devised a plan to cut through the 300mm thick concrete which involved a two-person carrier basket being craned into the shaft to allow sections to be cut away.

In total, four members of the team worked on the job to ensure it was completed as quickly as possible due to the live nature of the road. Using a 3-phase Hilti track saw, the team sliced through the reinforced concrete to a total of 33 linear metres, with all the redundant sections removed and disposed of by the client.

That was followed by the use of a handheld Husqvarna Pre-Cut and Ring-Saw alongside a Weka rig and motor diamond drill to cut rebate slots in the 10-metre concrete sectioned circular wall.
The sections removed were 750mm wide by 1000m long and up to 300mm deep. Drilling was carried out in each corner of the section to prevent over-cutting.

As well as the sawing and drilling equipment, the team utilised a 3-phase power supply on-site as well as on-site water supply.

Working at height training was essential for the job, as well as necessary harness equipment for riding in the crane basket.

Kevin said: “The key to a job such as this is finding a solution that will work and finding it quickly, because this was a live road that was being closed off, so we had to make sure we completed the works as soon as possible.

“We paid two visits to carry out the track-sawing, followed by the handheld sawing with diamond drilling.

“It was great to be able to support the client in delivering this work and once complete, they could lay RSJ supports across the huge manhole before it was covered in a safe and secure way.

“The feedback was great and, once again, it was great that we could help to find a solution with a client.

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