Micro Trenching

A Cost Effective Deployment Method for Open Access Networks

Gary Stahlbrand Director of Sales

TeraSpan Networks Inc. gstahlbrand@teraspan.com

+1 604-638-5476

Building an Open Access Network Doesn’t Have Look Like This

• Fiber deployed in a narrow saw cut • 0.5 - 1.5 inch wide, typically 7 to 12 inches deep in asphalt • 1 – 2 inches wide, typically 9 to 18 inches deep in soil

• Depth determined by risks (grind depths) • Ideal fit for hardscape deployments • Speed up deployment time by up to 50% • Reduce costs by up to 50% • Minimal impact on the community • Quick, consistent and easy to deploy • Savings realized by reduced labor and restoration costs

Micro Trenching is a Cost Effective Alternative

Options - Open Cut Trench

Open Cut Trenching requires major excavation and restoration

Micro Trenching uses a narrow cut and which restores easily

Options - Mini Trenching

Mini trenching leaves a wide trench with debris

Micro trenching is clean and less disruptive

Options - Boring

Bore pits are costly to restore and there is still risk of utility impact

The shallow Micro Trench is less risk to other utilities

Types of Micro Trenching

Direct Buried

Place the cable directly in the saw

cut

Air Blown Install the

conduit and blow the fiber

after installation

Inlaid “Zipper” the fiber into a 2 piece conduit during install

Road Saws

Ditch Witch and Marais

Determining Cut Depth

Municipal Grind Depth (2”- 4”) + Buffer Zone / Cover (4” min) + Conduit Height (1”- 3”)

Cut Depth

Saw Blade Road Surface

Typical cut depths are 7-12 inches

Reinstatement

• Premium cold asphalt mix swept into the saw cut and packed with a weighted packing wheel

• Grout mix with the last half inch covered with a hot tar sealant

Work with the local road authority to determine the

best restoration technique for your environment

• Mature / proven technology • Deployed globally • Cost is typically 50% less than traditional methods • Best savings in hard surface deployments • Less disruptive to the community • High fiber counts possible in micro trenches • Suitable for all fiber applications

Conclusions