Pipe & Excavation Contracting Revised Edition

The Pipe & Excavation Contracting Revised Edition will show you how to learn to find the right kind of work, read and compute quantities from the plans, figure realistic crew and equipment productivity rates, consider job variables, calculate your O and P, then estimate and bid the job, and get the bonds you need. Also, how to deal with change orders and liquidated damages, choosing the right equipment, and handling safety issues. When it comes to doing the actual work, you’ll find the combined expertise of two long-time professionals, explaining how to follow and read the surveyor’s reference stakes; how to check grade and line with an optical level, transit and pipe laser, and how to use GPS systems. See the best ways to clear the site, including asphalt and rock; handle rock, steep slopes and high groundwater; meet compaction requirements; install septic tanks and drain fields; all common types of water and sewer pipe, and how to do subsurface excavation. This new edition includes detailed coverage of the various pipe, joints and fittings now available, and is filled with photos, diagrams, charts, checklists and examples to help you build a career as a successful pipeline contractor. This manual is an essential resource for those looking to enter or succeed in the underground utility business, offering both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques.

Key Aspects:

Modern Equipment and Techniques

• Covers the latest earthmoving and trenching equipment.
  
• Discusses refined excavation techniques and improved materials.

Business Operations and Estimating

• Guides on finding suitable projects and reading plans.
  
• Offers methods for computing quantities, estimating crew and equipment productivity, and calculating overhead and profit.
  
• Includes strategies for bidding jobs, handling change orders, and managing liquidated damages.
  

Equipment Selection and Safety

• Provides advice on choosing the right equipment for various tasks.
  
• Addresses complex safety issues and compliance with stricter safety rules.
  

Practical Work Techniques

• Explains how to follow and read surveyor’s reference stakes.
  
• Describes methods for checking grade and line using optical levels, transits, pipe lasers, and GPS systems.
  
• Details best practices for site clearing, including handling asphalt and rock, working on steep slopes, and managing high groundwater conditions.
  
• Covers installation of septic tanks, drain fields, and various types of water and sewer pipes.

Visual Aids and Examples

• Includes photos, diagrams, charts, checklists, and examples to enhance understanding and application.

Highlights:

• Industry-Relevant Modernization
• Hands-On Field Instructions
• Detailed Coverage of Pipework

About Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in heavy construction. His career includes roles as a laborer, pipe layer, heavy-equipment operator, estimator, and superintendent. Currently, Roberts operates his own heavy construction contracting company in the northwestern United States. He is recognized as an expert in heavy equipment operation, with his reviews and articles published in various heavy construction magazines. Roberts’ extensive hands-on experience in the field, combined with his technical knowledge, has enabled him to create a practical manual that serves as an invaluable resource for professionals in the underground utility construction industry.

The Revised Edition of this manual was co-authored with Dan Atcheson, who contributed to updating and improving the content to reflect modern earthmoving and trenching equipment, refined excavation techniques, stricter safety rules, and improved materials.

Other Works:

• Roofing Construction & Estimating Revised