Precautions for hoisting and installing spiral steel pipes

When handling spiral steel pipes, also known as SSAW pipes, proper hoisting and installation techniques are essential to ensure safety, protect the pipes from damage, and guarantee the quality of the final construction. Here are the key precautions for both hoisting and installation of spiral steel pipes, ensuring the pipes are safely and efficiently installed.

1. Precautions for Hoisting Spiral Steel Pipes

Hoisting spiral steel pipes requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines. To avoid damaging the pipes and ensure efficient handling, take note of the following:

Contact Surface: The horizontal contact surface between the hoist hook and the end of the spiral steel pipe should not be less than 40mm. If this distance is too small, it can deform the nozzle, which may impact the pipe connection and overall integrity.

Number of Hoisting Wires:

For 219mm, 273mm, 325mm, and 377mm diameter pipes, 4-5 hoisting wires can be used at once.

For 426mm, 478mm, and 529mm diameter pipes, 2-3 hoisting wires are recommended.

For 630mm and 720mm diameter pipes, 2 steel pipes can be hoisted together at one time.

For pipes 820mm in diameter or larger, only one pipe should be hoisted at a time.

Equipment Inspection: Prior to hoisting, thoroughly inspect all lifting equipment, including cranes, spreaders, ropes, pulleys, shackles, and rope clamps. These devices should be in excellent condition, properly certified, and accompanied by operating instructions.

2. Precautions for Installing Spiral Steel Pipes

Once the hoisting is completed, the installation process requires detailed attention to ensure the pipes are laid correctly and without damage:

Sand Cushion Preparation: Before placing the spiral steel pipe, ensure the sand cushion is leveled and compacted. Use a vibrating plate for tamping, ensuring the sand meets the required flatness, thickness, elevation, and compactness. Only release the pipe after the cushion has been accepted.

Material Compliance: Ensure that the spiral steel pipes and fittings meet national standards and the design requirements. Only pipes that come with proper factory certificates and quality assurance documents should be used. They must not pollute the water quality in water supply systems.

Lifting and Handling: Use slings or special tools for lifting the pipes to prevent damage. During transportation, ensure the pipes are securely fastened to prevent any collisions. Protect both the inner and outer anti-corrosion layers from damage.

Pipe Lowering: When lowering the spiral steel pipes, make sure to check the position of pipe joints and fittings. Use truck cranes to carefully lower the pipes into position. Keep the direction of the socket aligned with the pipeline installation direction. Dig work pits at each joint, making sure their size allows for easy installation.

Cranes and Handling: Use two steam cranes to lift the two ends of the spiral steel pipe separately. Wrap the pipe with high-strength nylon tape to prevent damage during handling. Always lower the pipe gently into the trench, avoiding placing any wood or stone under the pipe to protect the anti-corrosion layer.

Crane Operation: The crane operation should be directed by designated personnel. The lifting speed should be steady, and the lowering speed should be slow and controlled. Avoid sudden braking or rapid movements to prevent damage during installation.

Foundation Check: During installation, ensure that the trench's soil foundation is in compliance with design requirements. If the foundation does not meet standards, contact the design unit, supervision team, and geological survey department for further foundation treatment before proceeding.