Development and application of fine soil backfilling technique in pipeline construction

Fine soil backfilling is a key step in pipeline laying. It directly affects the construction quality, operation safety and service life of pipeline. In the mountains and Gobi deserts, the lack of enough fine soil for backfilling can restrict pipeline construction process. In this paper, the requirements for fine soil backfilling, the source of backfill and development of backfilling equipments are introduced. It is proposed that the screening and crushing bucket installed on excavators or loaders can not only screen fine soil, but also crush stones to fine soil, subject to relevant requirements. In addition, as supplement to the backfilling equipment, some hydraulic quick couplings, such as ash hopper and pipe-side vibration compactor, can be added to the excavator, so as to prevent and handle the exposure of collapse pipeline.