Author
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BROUGHTON, ROBERT - MCGILL UNIV, CANADA |
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Fouss, James |
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Submitted to: Drainage Monograph
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: An historical account of the methods and equipment used for installing subsurface drains throughout the World is presented. Drain materials include clay and concrete tiles, smooth-wall polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, and corrugated-wall polyethylene (PE) tubing. Methods for efficiently handling the various drainpipe materials are described. Installation methods described are hand digging, backhoes, wheel trenchers, chain trenchers, and pipe-laying plow equipment. High speed drainage plows began to be used extensively in the early 1970's. Special installation procedures are discussed for problem soils such as soft, wet, compacted and stoney soils, and for quicksand conditions. Techniques to control subdrain depth and gradient during installation include sight-bars, stretched reference wires, and modern laser-beam or-plane systems which automatically controls trencher and plow-type equipment. The ARS developed principle of laser-grade control system was first used on drainage machines in the late 1960's, and the laser system in now used on most land moving equipment worldwide. The proper backfilling of trenches and the best methods to insure backfilling of a trench created with plow-type equipment are described. Gravel or synthetic envelopes around the drainpipe are used to prevent sedimentation and improve soil-water inflow. The future use of global-positioning technology in drainage is reviewed. |
