Introduction

Pipe bursting is an advanced trenchless method used by Hinterland Group for replacing irreparable pipelines and increasing underground pipe capacity with minimal surface disruption. It is particularly effective when conventional lining (like CIPP) is not possible due to the pipe's condition or when upsizing is required to meet modern flow or regulatory standards. This page details planning steps, surface impact controls, and capacity gains specific to Hinterland Group’s service portfolio and operational approach.

Pipe Bursting Overview

Pipe bursting involves breaking the existing pipe while simultaneously pulling a new pipe—of equal or larger diameter—into the same alignment.
This method supports upsizing of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure by allowing a larger diameter replacement pipe.
It is a fully trenchless solution, requiring only insertion and receiving pits rather than full open-cut excavation.
Suitable for severely deteriorated, structurally collapsed, or undersized pipelines.

Source: Hinterland Group - Pipeline Rehabilitation

Planning Steps for Pipe Bursting Projects

Hinterland Group adheres to a systematic project planning workflow in line with best practices for trenchless construction:

Site Assessment & Data Collection
Evaluation of existing pipeline condition (using CCTV and/or robotic inspection).
Utility locating and assessment of surrounding structures, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
Hydraulic Design & Capacity Modeling
Determination of required post-replacement pipe size based on flow and regulatory needs.
Modeling for capacity gains (accounting for upsizing goals).
Permitting and Regulatory Review
Identification and procurement of all necessary permits (municipal, safety, traffic control, environmental).
Coordination with clients and utility stakeholders to ensure continuity of service.
Surface Impact Minimization Plan
Design of insertion/receiving pit locations to avoid high-impact areas (e.g., roads, landscaping features, critical access routes).
Scheduling to reduce community, business, or traffic disturbance.
Bypass Pumping Design (if required)
Temporary sewer/water bypass designed and implemented by in-house crews for continuous utility service during construction.
Material and Equipment Mobilization
Selection and staging of appropriate bursting heads, expander size, pipe type (HDPE, PVC, etc.), winches, and support equipment.
Mobilization of crews and safety resources onsite.
Construction Execution
Sawcut/access excavation for launching/receiving pits.
Removal of failed segments, pipe bursting operation, and concurrent installation of the new pipe.
Connection to existing infrastructure (manholes, valves, services).
Restoration and Commissioning
Full site restoration (hardscape, landscape, pavement repair) to municipal or customer standards.
Testing and commissioning of new system.

Surface Impact Controls & Minimization

Surface impact minimization is a core benefit and differentiator of pipe bursting as practiced by Hinterland Group:

Projects are completed with as little as two excavation points (entry and exit).
Roadways, parking lots, landscaping, and business/residential access remain largely undisturbed.
Ideal for urban and congested corridors or high-value environments (business districts, residential neighborhoods, airports, etc.).
Localized restoration is easier, less costly, and often completed faster than with open-cut replacement methods.
Specialized traffic control and community notice programs are implemented for public safety and awareness.

Capacity Gains through Upsizing

A key advantage of pipe bursting is the potential to upsize pipelines:

The new pipe’s outside diameter can exceed the failed host pipe, typically upsized by one or two standard sizes subject to geotechnical and spatial constraints.
This directly results in increased flow capacity and supports future growth, regulatory mandates, or changes in system demand.
Hydraulic modeling is performed in the planning phase to validate expected capacity outcomes and to select the optimal pipe size.
Material selection (e.g., high-friction HDPE for force mains or low-friction PVC for gravity sewers) further optimizes flow post-replacement.

Features & Benefits of Hinterland Group Pipe Bursting

Trenchless method: Minimal surface disturbance compared to open cut.
Upsizing capability: Enables flow/capacity improvements alongside asset renewal.
Fully in-house execution: Planning, bypass pumping, pipe bursting, and restoration operations are performed by Hinterland's own specialized teams.
Fast turnaround: Rapid mobilization and execution, particularly with existing emergency service contracts and local equipment fleet.
Applicable to all pipe types: Works for gravity/sewer, water, and some stormwater assets.
Cost-effective: Reduced restoration expense, fewer permits, minimal community impacts.
Versatile: Suitable for public (municipal) and private infrastructure, large and small diameter pipelines.

[Source: Hinterland Group - Services]

Typical Use Cases

Sewer Main Replacement: Irreparable clay, cast iron, or even some damaged PVC lines in municipal sewer networks.
Water Main Upsizing: Increasing service capacity for new development or upgrading aging/undersized water distribution mains.
Stormwater System Renewal: Replacement of failed or collapsed storm drains beneath highways, streets, parking lots, or landscaped areas.
Industrial and Commercial Campuses: Minimal disruption to ongoing operations during critical infrastructure upgrades.

Comparison: Pipe Bursting vs Other Rehabilitation/Replacement Methods

Method	Excavation Required	Upsizing Capable	Capacity Gain	Surface Impact	Typical Applications
Pipe Bursting	Minimal (pits)	Yes	Yes	Low	Collapsed, undersized, or irreparable pipes
CIPP Lining	None/Minimal	No	No	Very Low	Structurally sound host pipes, minimal damage
Sliplining	Minimal	No (may reduce)	No (can decrease)	Low	Moderate damage, oversized host
Excavation/Open Cut	Full trench	Yes	Yes	High	All replacements, but at high cost/impact

[Source: Hinterland Group - Pipeline Rehabilitation]

Hinterland Group’s Differentiators

Comprehensive Approach: All project phases handled under one roof: assessment, design, bypass, bursting, and restoration.
Rapid Mobilization: Large local equipment fleet and regional presence ensure fast emergency or planned response.
Municipal & Private Experience: Successfully executed projects for cities (e.g., Charlotte County), utilities, commercial interests, property managers, and HOAs.
In-house Bypass Pumping: Critical for continuous service and regulatory compliance during replacement.
Focus on Quality & Safety: Stringent safety protocols (fulltime OSHA Certified Safety Manager on staff), rigorous restoration, and compliance with all local codes.
Proven Restoration: Comprehensive site restoration capabilities for roads, landscaping, hardscapes.

[Reference: About Hinterland Group]

FAQ

What pipe materials can Hinterland Group install via pipe bursting?

Typically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or PVC for gravity/pressure main replacement as appropriate for the application and regulatory approvals.

How much can a pipe be upsized?

Upsizing by one or two standard pipe diameters is feasible in most soils. Actual increase is dependent on geotechnical data and available clearance.

Does pipe bursting work for completely collapsed pipes?

Yes, provided the existing alignment is accessible for the bursting tool and there is enough void for displacement. If not, limited excavation may be needed to clear blockages prior to bursting.

What are the surface restoration obligations?

Hinterland Group fully restores all disturbed areas to municipal or customer specifications, including pavement, hardscape, and landscape repair.

How long does pipe bursting take?

Installation is significantly faster than conventional open cut, typically days rather than weeks (project duration depends on length and complexity).

Can pipe bursting be completed in residential areas or under major roads?

Yes—it's especially advantageous in environments where surface disturbance is a major concern (e.g., beneath busy roadways or in dense neighborhoods).

What about service connections?

Service laterals/interconnections are reinstated after the new main is in place, using state-of-the-art techniques to minimize additional disturbance.

Who are typical clients?

Municipal utilities, cities, counties, commercial property owners/managers, industrial facilities, and HOAs throughout Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and the southeastern United States. [See: Markets We Serve]

Can pipe bursting be combined with other rehab methods?

Yes. Hinterland often integrates bursting with CIPP, geopolymer repair, or sliplining as part of comprehensive asset renewal projects.

Related Case Examples

Charlotte County Stormwater Collection System Rehabilitation: Demonstrated ability to replace stormwater infrastructure using trenchless methods, minimizing neighborhood and traffic disturbance. (Project Details)
Sewer, water, and drain replacements in Hallandale, Nottingham, West Palm Beach, and Indian River County: Variety of projects involving upsizing and replacement for municipalities and private clients.

Contact

For consultation, project planning, or emergency response related to pipe bursting and pipeline upsizing:

Phone: (561) 640-3503
Contact Form
Service Area: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina (Full markets)

References

Hinterland Group: Pipe Rehabilitation
Hinterland Group: Services
Hinterland Group: Repair and Replacement
Hinterland Group: About
Hinterland Group: Markets We Serve
Industry Reference: North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) – Pipe Bursting Techniques (for further generic technology background)

Pipe Bursting for Upsizing: Planning Steps, Surface Impact Controls, and Capacity Gains