Abstract: A method for supporting an underground pipeline in an excavated trench. The method involves supporting the pipeline on specially-designed support benches at spaced intervals. The benches are designed to fail when exposed to a predetermined load, which load will be placed on the benches at some point during the backfilling of the trench or when the pipeline undergoes hydrostatic testing. When the benches fail, the fill under the pipeline is compacted and thereby supports the pipeline in lieu of the support benches.

Abstract: In a method for backfilling pipe placed in a ditch and surrounded by a padding material a geotextile material is placed over the padding material and then spoil is backfilled into the ditch. The geotextile material prevents rocks and other large particles from encroaching upon the padding material which surround the pipe and then scratching the pipe. Preferably, the spoil is separated into layers of increasingly larger diameter particles. The geotextile material can be carried on a padding machine or a frame attached to a tractor or other vehicle. A spreader and optionally a leveler are also provided to evenly place the geotextile material in the ditch.

Abstract: A ditch backfilling device and apparatus therefor are disclosed. In particular, the ditch backfilling device includes a mainframe for supporting a compartment for storing the backfill material and a screening system for sorting and directing the backfill material into a ditch. The backfilling device includes a support for holding a roll of warning tape and an application roller for placing the unrolled portion of the warning tape above a uniform structure, such as a pipeline, within a layer of backfill material in the ditch. The warning tape is thereafter buried in subsequent layers of backfill material poured by the backfilling device. The backfilling device also includes a guide structure which is configured to follow the surface of the uniform structure. The guide structure positions a conduit adjacent the uniform structure for burial in the backfill material. The conduit may contain cables for the transmission of communication information or operating instructions.