PIPELINE
MACHINERY
review
98
Calaf
Trenching,
Spain
Constructora Calaf is a family-run
business that was founded in 1964 in
Calaf, near Barcelona. Over the years, the
company has diversified into a number
of other activities as Calaf Trenching
(trenching services) and Nextrencher
(manufacturing trenchers).
In recent years, the company has focused
much of its resources on the development of
an efficient trenching system for the installation of pipes. Having
excavated more than 3000 km of trenches, Calaf Tenching’s
experience has enabled the company to develop a trenching
technique that is quick, efficient, suitable for any terrain
and situation, and respectful to the environment and urban
surroundings.
The trenching system does not interrupt the execution of
works. Rather then requiring terrain adjustments, the trenches
conform to the project, are perfect in their base and generate
no surplus material. Thus, the installation of the services can be
rapidly achieved.
Furthermore, the company’s experience in trenching has
given it a differentiating factor: substantial knowledge to
create its own working machinery. Calaf Trenching is the only
company in its sector capable of designing and building the
most advanced trenching machines, making them available for
private use and customer use.
Calaf Tenching’s experience in providing trenching services
and manufacturing trenchers has promoted the re-design and
continuous improvement of its chain trenchers fleet, applying
available technological innovations. The company’s trencher’s
fleet is comprised of 11 trenchers and several disks.
Calaf Trenching’s commitment to continuous
improvement and development of new products allows it
to effectively perform in any type of terrain regarding rock
excavation works. The control of the manufacturing and
assembly process of every element of our trenchers allows
the company to quickly respond to the requirements of the
site, increasing the independence of the work.
The company recently carried out trenching works
for the Huércal Overa-Baza-Guadix gas pipeline, located
in the south of Spain, near Granada, in the Baetic System.
The 134 km, 16 in. dia. (80 bars) pipeline belong to Endesa
Gas. Construction began in June 2013 and is expected to be
completed in June 2014.
The contractor ACCIONA chose Calaf Trenching for the
excavation works by trencher of approximately 30 km in
rock soil.
The section required for the pipeline was 80 cm wide
and 180 cm deep. To maximise efficiency, Calaf Trenching
carried out the work with three trenchers: Nextrencher
trenchers RC600/90, RC 700/120 and RC 800/140. These rock
trenchers worked from the end of March 2014 to May 2014.
The geology of the area was variable – in most cases there
were carbonated conglomerates and occasionally breccia, a
strong, large rock with a hardness of nearly six, appeared. Despite
difficult conditions and challenging materials, an excavation rate of
56 m
3
/hr, with peaks of 130 m
3
/hr, was achieved.
Another notable project carried out by Calaf Trenching was the
Zarza de Tajo-Yela gas pipeline. The 107 km long, 30 in. dia. pipeline,
owned by ENAGAS, is located in the centre of Spain, near Madrid.
The section required was 140 cm wide and 2.2 m deep. In this
case, Calaf Trenching carried out the trenching works of 70 km. The
trencher chosen for the works was the RC-800/140 Nextrencher
trencher.
The geology of the area was dominated by limestone,
marlstone and gypsum. The average rate excavation for this soil
was 232 m
3
/hr with peaks of 400 m
3
/hr. The trenching works were
conducted between February 2013 and August 2013.
Figure 3.
Nextrencher trencher working in slope.
Figure 1.
Nextrencher trencher 800/140.
Figure 2.
A
perfect trench
done by
Nextrencher
trencher.
