Open-cut or bore.  Its a major decision for many contractors and civil engineers when installing new or replacing aging underground water, sewer, communication, gas and utility lines.

Now contractors and civil engineers have a new tool to help them evaluate underground installation projects.  Underground Analysis is a new software program from Vermeer designed to help contractors examine all aspects of an underground installation project and evaluate whether open-cut trenching or horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the most appropriate method of installation.

The software walks the user through nine different aspects of the project.  The user inputs information about the project to receive a recommended installation method.

Topics addressed include:

Contingency plan - explores the contractors comfort level in meeting or exceeding customer expectations, familiarity with open cut trenching and HDD technologies, location in a rural or urban area, level of comfort regarding the soil sample reports and distance to site from the contractors office.

Price of project - the program asks how many competitors are bidding on the project, the level of the contractors experience estimating project costs, project complexity and whether there are existing utilities in the project area.

Eco-social risk factors - this section explores if dust control, noise levels and vibration may be concerns, such as in residential areas.  It also reviews known soil conditions, importance of area restoration and if utilities have been identified across the project path.

Method comparison - the contractor determines what percent of the project is related to material, labor, restoration and / or equipment.

Project costs - The software provides a detailed report on the cost of using HDD or open cut trenching and provide an overview of which method may be better suited to the project.

Underground Analysis helps contractors evaluate a project from every angle by objectively identifying the cost for each installation method and uncovering hidden obstacles.  This information can help contractors increase productivity on the jobsite.

Civil engineers can also use Underground Analysis to help design projects and potentially reduce underground installation designs that may not be realistic for either open-cut trenching or HDD installation.

Underground Analysis joins Bore Polit and Atlas Bore Planner to help contractors evaluate and plan their underground installation projects.