Groundforce has spent many years listening to customers’ requirements in order to become a reputable supplier for those working in utilities. This commitment has seen Groundforce Shorco and Stopper Specialists build a cross-functional service for companies working in areas such as gas, water, electricity and power transmission.
Contractors providing services to utility companies are often faced with an emergency situation where a swift resolution is desirable. Gas pipeline fractures or major water leaks often call for lightweight shoring equipment that can be deployed quickly and easily. Listed below are the main attributes customers look for in a shoring system when planning an urgent utilities repair:
- Swift mobilisation
- Can be manually handled
- Simple assembly
- Fast installation
- Rapid removal
Groundforce products developed with a utilities focus
Groundforce Shorco have developed specific products that fully address the requirements of the utilities industry. For example, Vertishore is a simple lightweight, aluminium shoring system which is positioned in the trench from ground level and expanded using hydraulic width adjustment: the entire process is completed in a matter of seconds. EKOply Backing Boards can also be specified if necessary to prevent granular material from entering the trench through the vertical supports.
Stopper Specialists supply Smartshore, an ingenious inflatable shoring system ideal for short-term maintenance and utilities schemes. The system is portable, can be installed in minutes and is ideal for self-supporting excavations or trenches.
Very popular and ultra-versatile, the Groundforce Modular Aluminium Panel (MAP Box) can be manually assembled in multiple configurations to allow for 2, 3 or 4 sided support at various depths. Strong and lightweight, the system acts as a shield, and when assembled can be handled using a 180 degree rubber tyred excavator meaning installation is possible in urban environments where space can be limited.
Fast and accurate design service
At Groundforce, we realise our customers require a fast design turnaround so they can put our products to use with minimal delay. That’s why our design team pride themselves on producing a design as quickly as possible while upholding the highest industry standards.
YourSolution & YourSolution+
YourSolution and YourSolution+ is a design tool allowing access to Groundforce standard or bespoke solutions by following a simple question and answer process. The tool can be accessed on desktop or mobile at any time and we aim to sign off designs from 4 hours within the working window; perfect for customers requiring last minute turnarounds.
Whichever version of YourSolution is used, the team at Groundforce continue to emphasise that additional support is always available by contacting the technical team to resolve any more complex design problems that may arise; design request forms can still be submitted in the traditional way if preferred.
Groundforce utilities friendly products include:
- Quick Access Box: a lightweight aluminium modular box system
- Backhoe Manhole Box: for use when installing smaller pre-cast manhole rings.
- Backhoe Drag Box: ideal for continuous pipe laying operations.
- Aluminium Hydraulic Waler System: often used to support trench runs for pipe laying activities and around utility installations. Can also be used to form a Joint Bay facility for major cable joining projects.
- Dual Access Platform: an innovative design that provides access up and over elevated structures, walls or pile caps. It is compatible with conventional ladders and the StepSafe Stairway.
- Manhole Box: Groundforce’s 4.5m Manhole Box is the ideal solution when installing pre-cast concrete rings of up to 3m diameter and can be used with a 21t excavator.
Stopper Specialists: niche suppliers to utility contractors
Groundforce’s Stopper Specialists division are committed to the development and supply of an unrivalled portfolio of equipment to the utilities sector. Specialising in pipe testing and flow control, products include Pipe Stoppers and Pipe Pressure Testing equipment. Vital for keeping our utilities and pipework in top condition, Stopper Specialists products include the PressureTest+ app which monitors and records the pressure testing of pipework. Results can be viewed remotely and can capture pressure test data in real time. Contact Stopper Specialists for more information on their full range of products.
Industry experts you can trust…
All Groundforce Shorco and Stopper Specialists products are supported by a full design and advisory service. At Groundforce we lead the industry in providing support to those working in and around utility operations. Our network of depots means we can get the equipment to your utilities project in a timely manner.
Get in touch with our experts today to benefit from our market leading advice.