Electrical Cable Work at a Shipping Center

Introduction

This was a job I would pop into whenever we had time. Each visit was a stage: dig, then sand and gravel, then milled asphalt. The cable was for a new install on another development. The people at the shipping center were very friendly, and it was an enjoyable project.

The Machine

A 5-6 ton Takeuchi TB153FR, though with all our attachments and the Engcon we were over that. The cab is a bit cramped for a taller person, but the sightlines from it are great. It has plenty of power and is very stable for its weight class. I really like the TB153.

Locating and Exposing the Cables

A surveying company surveyed the site before we started. Any time you are digging around cables like this, you need that survey done. I used the information to pick where to cut, maximizing the work space while keeping the asphalt cut, and the cost, to a minimum.

Opening the trench and fencing off the area

The cables in pipes

Cables exposed

Sand and Protection

Sand first, which is standard for cables, then red protective boards before burying.

Red protective boards, before burying

Gravel and Milled Asphalt

Gravel compacted and prepped

Then milled asphalt, also called fresed asphalt. I compacted the shit out of it and it ended up very nice. I think it could have stayed like that for a while. I was very happy with the result.

Temporary milled asphalt, until permanent asphalt can be laid

GPS

Using the GPS was nice. I was already familiar with it for measuring lines, but this was one of the first times I had to measure an area and send it over, a new type of data to present.

Measuring the surface area

Wrapping Up

This was a project on the side, but a very enjoyable one. The client was nice, and so was the other contractor I worked with. Overall it was very good, and I think the result was good. I also enjoyed using the GPS to measure an area rather than just a line.