IEEE Cable Plowing Guide

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 IEEE Cable Plowing Guide

1. Scope
0 0
This guide is intended to attain improved
communications between manufacturers and
users in clarifying terminology and identifying
user objectives. In addition, it attempts t o pro-
vide the user a means for determining:
(1) Whether plowing is a feasible method
for a specific application.
( 2 ) What plow type is best suited for the
intended application or types of applications.
( 3 ) Those techniques and practices most
likely t o maximize performance.

2. Definitions and Nomenclature Fig 1

Feed Blade with Fixed Feed Tube
These definitions and nomenclature are
intended for terms used in this guide and in the
industry and are set forth here to promote may occur between the feed tube and the blade
better communication between involved around an essentially vertical axis. See Fig 2.
parties. floating removable feed tube. A feed tube re-
bend ratio. The radius of a bend (segment of movably attached to a blade so relative motion
a circle) divided by the outside diameter of a may occur between the feed tube and the blade
cable, pipe, etc. around axes that are essentially vertical and
horizontal (perpendicular t o direction of
burialdepth. The depth of soil cover over travel). See Fig 3.
buried cable, pipe, etc., measured on level
ground. fines. Particles of earth or rock smaller than
'/a in in greatest dimension.
caliche. Common sedimentary rock normally
formed from ancient marine life.
Fig 2
chute (deprecated). See feed tube. Feed Blade and Hinged Feed Tube
depthcontrol. The means used to maintain a
predetermined plowing depth.
drawbar pull. The effective pulling force de-
livered.
feed tube. A tube attached to the blade of a
plow which guides and protects the cable as
it enters the earth. There are several types of
feed tubes.
fiied feed tube. A feed tube permanently
attached to a blade; it may have a removable
back plate. See Fig 1.
hinged removable feed tube. A feed tube re-
movably attached t o a blade so relative motion

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 IEEE
Std 590-1977
Fig 3
Feed Blade with Floating Feed Tube
Fig 4
Pull Blade
plow. Equipment capable of laying cable,
flexible conduit, etc, underground.
plow blade. A soil cutting tool.
plow blade amplitude. Maximum displacement
of plow blade tip from mean position induced
by the vibrator (half the stroke).
plow blade frequency. Rate of blade tip vibra-
tion in hertz.
plowing. A process for installing cable, flexible
conduit, etc, by cutting or separating the earth
permitting the cable or flexible conduit to be
placed or pulled in behind the blade.
pull blade. A plow blade used t o pull direct
burial conductors into position by means of a
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IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE
suitable pulling grip attachment at the heel of
the blade. See Fig 4.
pre rip. A process using a plow blade t o loosen
the earth prior t o plowing and installing the
cable, flexible tube, etc.
static plow. A plowing unit that depends upon
drawbar pull only for its movement through
the soil.
stroke. The peak-to-peak displacement of the
plow blade tip.
shank. A portion of the plow blade t o which a
removable wear point is fastened.
tooth (deprecated). See wear point.
vibrator. A device which induces the blade
vibration in a vibratory plow.
vibratory isolation. Percentage reduction in
force transmitted from vibration source t o re-
ceiver by use of flexible mounting(s) (amount
of isolation for a given unit varies with plow
blade frequency).
vibratory plow. A plow utilizing induced
periodic motion(s) of the blade in conjunction
with drawbar pull for its movement through
the soil.
wear point A removable tip on the end of
some shanks or plow blades.
3. Types of Plows and Plow
Configurations
3.1 Static and Vibratory Plows. There are es-
sentially two types of plows used for installing
cable.
3.1.1 Static plow
3.1.2 Vibratory plow
NOTE: orbital and oscillating plows are types of
vibratory plows that are commercially available.
3.2 Plow Configurations. Plow configurations
applicable to static or vibratory plows are the
following.
3.2.1 Integrated. A self-contained or integral
plow-prime mover unit. See Fig 5.
3.2.2 Mounted. A unit which, t o be oper-
able, is semipermanently attached t o and
dependent upon a prime mover. See Fig 6.
 IEEE
IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE Std 590-1977

Fig 5
Integrated Plow

LIFT CYLINDER

WEAR POINT

Fig 6
Mounted Plow

NT

Fig 7
Trailer Plow

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 IEEE
Std 590-1977
3.2.3 Trailer. A unit which is self-contained
except for drawbar pull that is furnished by a
prime mover. See Fig 7.
4. Plowing Feasibility
4.1 General. This section presents factors and
other considerations intended t o assist and
guide those concerned in determining whether
plowing as a means for installing buried cable
is a reasonable selection.
4.2 Terrain Disturbance
4.2.1 Wind row or spoil pile are not needed
thus reducing widths of rights-of-way required.
4.2.2 Reduces problems of ditch settlement
and maintenance.
4.2.3 Area restoration is simplified.
4.3 Installation Length
4.3.1 Continuous (unbroken) long lengths of
cable generally are more favorable t o plowing.
4.3.2 Short cable lengths requiring frequent
splices or terminations generally are more
favorable t o trenching.
4.4 Congested Areas
4.4.1 Plowing is normally unfavorable when
an area contains numerous, closely spaced
obstructions such as other utilities, driveways,
etc.
4.4.2 Reducing the depth of burial t o avoid
obstructions, while favoring plowing, increases
the potential of cable damage by others.
4.5 Earth Conditions
4.5.1 Conditions generally deemed unsatis-
factory are:
(1) Where attempted preripping has failed
(2) In solid rock requiring blasting
(3) Where preripping has failed t o remove
large rocks (boulders) or heavy tree roots or
both
(4) Deep frozen earth.
4.5.2 Soft earth (for example, swamps,
muskeg, etc) reduces feasibility.
NOTE: Special precautions such as “winching,” using
a remote pulling force for assistance, are usually re-
quired to avoid cable damage.
4.5.3 A high water table, running sand, and
similar conditions favor plowing. The need to
pump, shore, and maintain trench is eliminated.
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IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE
4.6 Multiple Placement
4.6.1 Where vertical separation is required
plowing provides a consistent control in most
soils using a multiple exit feed tube.
4.6.2 A double pass vertical installation, in
lieu of a multiple tube, should be avoided and,
if unavoidable, performed with extreme cau-
tion and adequate separation.
4.6.3 Where horizontal separation is re-
quired plowing is not recommended.
4.6.4 Handling of multiple reels must be
considered.
4.7 Cable Considerations
4.7.1 Bend stiffness in large diameter and
steel armored cables creates significant plowing
problems.
4.7.2 The bending radius of a single con-
ductor in a large triplex cable is a controlling
factor in determining plowability.
4.7.3 Cable manufacturers’ recommendations
should be sought t o determine plowability.
4.8 DepthLimits. Burial depths up t o 4 ft
(1.2m) can be attained economically by com-
mercially available equipment; greater depths
require special consideration.
4.9 Terrain Considerations
4.9.1 Negotiation and restoration of steep
slopes is enhanced using a plow
4.9.2 Plowing in shallow or deep water is
attainable.
4.9.3 Severely irregular ground such as
ditches and washes creates a need for special
equipment (see 5.7.2)and care in negotiating.
5. Equipment Selection
5.1 General. The variety of machines available
is significant as are the construction situations
which may arise. This section intends to pre-
sent factors worth considering in selecting a
plow for a specific or general application.
5.2 Maneuverability
5.2.1 The plowing unit should have the
ability to easily deviate from a straight line to
avoid obstacles and negotiate curves.
5.2.2 Consideration should be given t o the
features listed for the proposed application :

IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE
(1) Steering-crawler track (conventional or
two speed), conventional two wheel, coordi-
nated four wheel, articulated frame, four-wheel
independent steering each axle
(2) Plow offset ability
(3) Steerable plow blade
(4) Plow configuration-integrated, mount-
ed or trailer type
( 5 ) A plow directly mounted on a prime
mover is normally less maneuverable unless
articulation means are provided
(6) Ability to retain directional stability on
a slope
(7) Turning radius with blade in ground.
5.3 Drawbar Pull
5.3.1 Predominantly developed in machines
via wheels or tracks:
(1) Wheels are usually rubber tired and are
an advantage:
(a) On flat, compacted surface such as
roadways
(b) In minimizing surface damage
(c) For mobility in moving around on the
job.
(2) Tracks (track laying) are usually steel
and are an advantage:
(a) On soft earth
(b) In developing greater drawbar pull
(c) In rough, hilly terrain.
5.3.2 Drawbar pull developed is affected as
follows :
(1) Dry to moist soil is superior to a wet soil
surface.
(2) A loose, dry layer of soil over a hard
subsoil reduces traction.
(3) A slick surface over a hard subsoil
generally reduces traction.
5.3.3 Factors to consider in determining
drawbar pull capabilities include:
(1) Equipment weight
(2) Weight distribution
(3) Tire width and wheel diameter
(4) Track size (where applicable)
(5) Drive control sensitivity
(6) Horsepower developed in prime mover.
5.4 Soil and Rock Conditions
5.4.1 Soil conditions will significantly affect
plow selection. Some of the soil factors t o con-
sider are:
(1) Compactibility
(a) Loose soil normally plows more read-
ily as the plow shank tends t o compact the
ground as it passes.
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IEEE
Std 590-1977
(b) A tight or frozen soil reduces the
ability of the plow shank to compact the soil
as it passes.
NOTE: Where the shank extends or penetrates below a
hard or frozen earth crust, the problem associated with
this soil condition is reduced.
(2) Moisture Content (Degree of Saturation)
(a) A moist soil often requires even load
distribution t o reduce the possibility of
bogging down.
(b) Some soil moisture is usually preferred
as it may act as a lubricant.
(c) Excessive moisture is a deterrent and
usually requires compensation through special
construction methods.
5.5 Types Of Soil
5.5.1 The type of soil affects plow perfor-
mance. Listed below are soil types normally
encountered and factors t o consider. Other
types of soil, including blends, would require
similar evaluation and determination.
(1) Sand - more suitable t o vibratory plow-
ing than for static plowing
(2) Sandy loam - excellent for all types
(3) Running sand - excellent for all types
(4) Clay
(a) difficult for all types
(b) some moisture improves plowability
(c) excessive moisture reduces plowability
(d) blends with other soils tend to assume
their characteristics
(5) Rocky - difficult for all types
(6) Caliche - difficult for all types.
5.6 Burial Depths
5.6.1 The plow design should be such as to
maintain a constant burial depth.
5.6.2 Select a plow which will adequately
and efficiently operate a t depths required by
local or national codes.
NOTE: The recognized authority of electric utilities
is Part 3 of American National Standard C2-1977,
National Electrical Safety Code.
5.7 Mechanical Features
5.7.1 Vibration Isolation
(1) In selecting a vibratory type, the vibra-
tor should be isolated t o protect the prime
mover and assure driver comfort and efficiency.
(2) To prevent possible cable damage it may
be necessary t o isolate the cable feed tube from
the plow unit.
5.7.2 Depth Control
(1) The plow blade should be provided with
 IEEE
Std 590-1977
a device or means to determine a selected
depth.
(2) A pitch adjustment t o alter blade angle
conforming t o terrain changes can be useful in
maintaining cable depth and avoiding cable
damage.
5.8 Size Considerations
5.8.1 Cable Burial Depth
(1) The size of equipment will generally
increase significantly for each 6 in (15.2 cm)
depth interval.
(2) A plow slightly oversized will improve
the capability of maintaining the desireddepth.
5.8.2 Feed Tube
(1) The feed tube must provide adequate
clearance (cross section) t o allow free passage
of the cable.
(2) For the simultaneous burial of multiple
cables using a single feed tube, the ratio of tube
size to cable size should be large enough t o
prevent jamming the cable, or the feed tube
should be designed with interval separation
guides.
( 3 ) To assure good maneuverability, reduce
drag, and optimize plow size, feed tube bend
ratios should be limited to the minimum
allowed commensurate with the cable, duct,
etc, being installed.
5.8.3 Burial Speed
(1) Is principally affected, for desired burial
depth, by power available, weight of equip-
ment, and cable size.
(2) A typical average speed for plowing
under favorable conditions is 50 t o 60 ft/min
(15 t o 18 m/min).
5.8.4 External Influences
(1) Right-of-way width or obstacles along
the cable route may limit the overall equip-
ment size.
(2) Earth conditions will affect the size of
plow in terms of weight distribution.
(3) Highway and bridge loading regulations
and limits must be considered.
5.8.5 Horsepower. Equipment selected
should optimize rather than maximize horse-
power for the required work.
6. Installation Techniques
6.1 Precautions
6.1.1 Equipment stability will be enhanced,
especially in soft or wet soils, when loads, such
10
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IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE
as cable reels, are evenly distributed over the
area of traction. Special considerations may
be required on side slopes.
6.1.2 The size and unusual nature of the
equipment normally attracts considerable pub-
lic attention. It is recommended that pre-
cautions be taken t o restrict persons from
entering the work area.
6.1.3 Only qualified personnel should operate
the construction equipment. It is imperative
t o maintain proficiency, that operators have
continuing instruction.
6.1.4 Verify prior t o installation that the
cable is suitably designed t o withstand plowing.
6.1.5 Noise of the equipment may be a
deterrent t o communication; predetermined
hand signals between operators and associated
personnel should be established.
6.2 Preliminary Route Inspection
6.2.1 The location of all subsurface obstruc-
tions across or near the proposed route must be
determined prior t o construction. Uncover and
expose all known conflicts in advance.
6.2.2 The cable route should be staked to
allow the plow operator t o easily align his
equipment along the proposed route.
6.3 Ripping
6.3.1 A prerip operation is recommended to
assure a smooth cable installation especially
when soil conditions are severe (that is, rocky,
hardpan, caliche, etc) or unknown conditions
are suspected.
6.3.2 The direction of prerip must be the
same as that intended for plowing.
6.3.3 The depth of ripping must be equal t o
or preferably deeper than the depth for the
proposed plowing.
6.3.4 Where the ripper encounters resistance
t o ripping, that section should be ripped again
until the ripper can easily pass through the soil
at the specified depth.
6.3.5 Areas encountered that cannot be
ripped should be marked.
6.4 Plowing
6.4.1 Determine that the feed tube is clean
and free of any obstruction before feeding
cable.
6.4.2 The cable feed tube should provide for
the cable t o be laid slightly above the depth of
penetration of the plow tooth.
6.4.3 Cable should enter the earth without
tension.

IEEE CABLE PLOWING GUIDE
6.4.4 Provide continuous observation of the
cable reel during plowing operation t o avoid
problems created by excessive tension, bends,
or cable defects.
6.4.5 Predig starting and stopping pits t o
prevent shallow burial depths, cable waste, and
damage.
6.4.6 When a previously unidentified buried
obstacle is encountered, excavate t o examine
and clear before proceeding.
6.4.7 Plow efficiency is improved when
operating a t a depth 6 in (15.2 cm) less than
the maximum design depth of the equipment.
6.4.8 Never back the plow when laying
cable. The tractor should always move forward
when raising or lowering the blade out of or
into the earth with cable in the feed tube,
otherwise cable damage may result.
6.4.9 Sharp changes in grade should be re-
duced, where possible, t o ensure that constant
cable depth is maintained.
6.4.10 Burial depths may exceed but should
never be less than the minimum depth stated
on the engineering work plans.
6.4.11 In hard, dry, firm soils, adjustments
may be necessary t o exert down pressure on
the plow blade in order to maintain desired
depth.
7. Cable Handling
7.1 General. All accepted good practices in
handling cable not specifically unique t o plow-
ing should be followed.
7.2 FeedTube
7.2.1 The feed tube should be free of sharp
edges where exposed t o cable entry andpassage.
7.2.2 The feed tube should be designed so
that cables will not be subjected t o damaging
bends.
7.2.3 The feed tube should be designed t o
produce minimum tension in the cable allowing
the cable t o loosely enter the earth.
7.3 Cable Guides and Sheaves
7.3.1 These are essential elements which
should provide low friction, be free turning, or
both.
7.3.2 Cable guides and sheaves should be
designed t o assure that cables will not be sub-
jected t o damaging bends, sharp edges, etc.
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IEEE
Std 590-1977
7.4 Reel Carrier. This device when provided
should:
(1) Allow for easy reel installation using
such features as hydraulic lift assistance
(2) Accommodate a reel size capable of con-
taining long cable lengths
(3) Be free turning with consideration for
providing support bearings and a brake
mechanism
(4) Use a tension relief device between the
cable reel and feed tube t o provide start-up
cable slack on larger units
(5) Feed cable so as t o require the cable
placement in a continuous arc from the reel
with no reverse bends being applied t o the
cable.
8. Comparative Evaluation
8.1 General. When possible, a field evaluation
should be made of available machines as the
way t o determine the capabilities of each and
their suitability t o local conditions.
8.2 Evaluation
8.2.1 An effective evaluation of capability
is t o observe an installation employing the
equipment.
8.2.2 The effect of a plow on the cable may
be determined by exposing the cable installed,
inspecting for physical damage and applying an
impulse or other electrical test.
8.2.3 Tests comparing several plows should
be performed under conditions as nearly iden-
tical as practicable.
8.2.4 The following factors significantly
affect evaluation of equipment and should be
observed carefully during tests.
(1) Speed developed at various depths
(2) Maximum depth reached
(3) Maximum cable diameter handled
(4) Degree and type of earth disturbance
by plow and prime mover
(5) Road speed
(6) Maneuverability
(7) Stability
(8) Reel loading and unloading efficiency
(9) Need or requirement for support
equipment
(10) Transportability.