Trenchless Technology has changed quite significantly over the years since the Pezzimenti name became synonymous with pipeline construction in 1957 when G. Pezzimenti and Sons originally began contracting work to the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works.
Since then Pezzimenti Trenchless emerged, applying Trenchless Technology to projects across Australasia.
Joe Pezzimenti said that it had been interesting witnessing first-hand the way the trenchless sector has evolved and been perceived by the wider construction and engineering industry.
“Through education and a solid history of results, Trenchless Technology has now become the accepted way of service installation, which is rightfully deserved and fantastic to see,” Mr Pezzimenti said.
It is Trenchless Technology’s ability as a non-invasive technique that has seen the industry grow and develop over time.
Mr Pezzimenti explains that this element of the technique is what has seen it grow from strength to strength over the years, as highlighted by Trenchless Australasia’s coverage.
“The need to preserve what has been built, to preserve the environment and to cause the least amount of disruption to the public as possible is why I strongly believe Trenchless Technology has grown into the industry it is today,”
“The acceptance of trenchless in all of its forms is definitely trending more and more, and the ability to choose the correct machinery for the job is a transition I have noticed,” Mr Pezzimenti said.
Under Sunbury
Looking back, Pezzimenti Trenchless has had a diverse history of projects.
From the docks of Hobart’s Salamanca Place to underneath one of Adelaide’s busiest roads, but one project from the last decade that stands out for Joe Pezzimenti is the 2011 gas pipeline project in Sunbury, Victoria.
Mr Pezzimenti recalls the project, completed in 2012, as a major undertaking for the company that was not completed without some obstacles along the way.
“The biggest challenges were the ground conditions, some varied from extremely hard basalt to weathered basalt and clays and there was also the added restriction to work late hours as the rail bore had to be undertaken at night when the railway was free to work around,” Mr Pezzimenti said.
Projects such as the Sunbury Gas Pipeline project paved the way for other similar projects to be accomplished by Pezzimenti Trenchless, such as the Wollert-Wandong Gas Pipeline in Victoria for McConnell Dowell.
As we reflect on the last ten years of Trenchless Australasia, Mr Pezzimenti states that the industry continues to grow in its presence.
“The industry is getting more and more recognition for its advantages over open cut and authorities and designers are better educated about the trenchless industry now than ever before.
“At Pezzimenti Trenchless we have continued to add to our fleet of microtunnelling machines by ensuring we have numerous sizes across each diameter and a quality service and maintenance program that has been implemented to ensure all equipment runs at its optimal performance and cutter performance has improved,” he said.
Looking towards the next ten years, Mr Pezzimenti said that expanding their client base and growing the company’s presence in South Australia would be key.
“The future is very positive as Trenchless Technology becomes a more accepted process for service installation and with new and innovative equipment develops it will be a key focus, moving away from more traditional methods,” he said.