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DTC Handle Bars Estimates

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Accurate Estimating for Complex Installations

When the invert level of a proposed water main clashes with an existing underground service, the pipe must be rerouted under the obstruction and then back up to its normal depth, forming a handlebar-shaped profile. This configuration, known as a Handle Bar under Sydney Water specifications, is highly technical and requires specific materials, construction techniques, and compliance with Deemed-To-Comply (DTC) drawings.

At WSE Sydney, we specialize in estimating the true cost of Handle Bar installations, ensuring you account for:
✔️ Material selection (DICL vs. steel)
✔️ Excavation & backfilling needs
✔️ Welding & concrete encasement costs
✔️ Traffic control & duration planning
✔️ Compliance with Sydney Water DTC standards

1️⃣ Understanding Handle Bars – Key Variations & DTC Compliance

Different types of Handle Bars are required depending on the length of the straight portion and the depth of installation.

🔹 DTC-1124 – Handle Bars up to 6m

  • Uses DICL (Ductile Iron Cement Lined) pipes.
  • Shorter, easier to install, and requires less welding.

🔹 DTC-1126 – Handle Bars exceeding 6m

  • Uses steel pipes, which are stronger but heavier.
  • Requires welding at joints, increasing labor & duration.
  • Typically spans 6m to 30m or more, depending on site constraints.

🔹 Deep Handle Bars (2.5m – 5m or more)

  • Can be installed across roads or in deep trenches.
  • Requires imported fill material for backfilling (as excavated material cannot be reused in road reserves).
  • Concrete testing delays must be factored in before backfilling.

2️⃣ Construction Process & Key Cost Factors

🔹 Steel Cage & Concrete Encasement

  • The pipe is placed inside a steel reinforcement cage.
  • The entire structure is concrete-encased for strength and longevity.
  • Concrete testing is mandatory before backfilling can proceed.

🔹 Welding & Pipe Jointing

  • If the handle bar is a long steel pipe, multiple pipe sections must be welded together.
  • Welding is expensive and requires specialist subcontractors.
  • Accurate time estimates for welding, traffic control, excavation, laying, pouring, and backfilling are crucial.

🔹 Excavation & Backfilling

  • Depth & width calculations determine import fill material requirements.
  • Deep handle bars in road reserves must be backfilled with engineered select fill, increasing costs.
  • Spoil removal must be planned, as excavated material cannot be reused in road reserves.

3️⃣ Traffic Control & Duration Management

Since Handle Bar installations often occur in road reserves or near intersections, traffic control costs can escalate rapidly if not planned correctly.

🚦 Straight road work – Requires 3 traffic controllers.
🚦 Intersection or major road crossings – May require 4 to 5 controllers.
🚦 Extended welding & concrete curing – Can increase traffic control costs significantly.

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Why Choose WSE Sydney for Your Handle Bar Estimate?

🔹 We ensure all cost elements are covered, from excavation to backfilling.
🔹 We factor in welding, concrete encasement, and material selection for accuracy.
🔹 We help you plan for potential delays, including concrete curing & testing.
🔹 We provide precise duration estimates to prevent unexpected cost overruns.

Get an Expert Estimate for Handle Bar Installations

Avoid costly surprises with an accurate, Sydney Water-compliant estimate for your Handle Bar project.

📞 +61 451 404 645
📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au

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