contents 4, THE PIPE JACKING TECHNIQUE Page 2 iMlustrations: (a) General arrangement (b) Excavation systems: Hand shield Backacter EPaM Cutter boom TBM Microtunnelling () Thrust pit set up (4) Jacks and thrust ring (e) Computer guidance system for microtunnelling 2. APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS Page 6 3, SITE INVESTIGATION AND INFORMATION REQUIRED ON SOIL CONDITIONS Page? Tables and illustrations: (a) Typical ground information required for design and costing (b} Ground treatment and face support methods for varying ground conditions 4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS Page 3 Tables and illustrations: (a) Design of working shafts in dry ground (table) {b) Design of working shatts in wet ground (table) (c) Open hand shield {d) Full face tunnel boring machine (@) Cutter boom shield (f) Backacter (g) Slurry machine {h) Earth pressure balance machine (i) Air pressurised shield () Microtuinnelling machines (k) Pipe jacking excavation methods for diy ground (table) {) Pipe jacking excavation methods for wet ground (table) (m) Pipe jacking eyes 5. PIPE JACKING PIPES Page 18 ustrations: (a) Typical flexible joints (b) Rebated lead pipes {c) Interjack pipes (@) Joints for clay microtunnelling pipes (e) Re-inverting techniques 6. JACKING LENGTHS, LOADS AND ‘TOLERANCES. Page 24 iustrations: (a) Intermediate jacking stations (©) Lubrication (c) Underground connectionspeer ete eee cele c TL ere eee Cer Oa eH err Ieee ce) ee DEHPipe jacking, generally referred to in the smaller diameters as microtunnelling, is. fa technique for installing underground pipelines, ducts and culverts. Powerful hydraulic jacks are used to push specially designed pipes through the ground behind a shield at tiie same time as excavation is taking place within the shield. The method provides a flexible, structural, watertight, finished pipeline as the tunnel is excavated. ‘There is no theoretical limit to the length of individual pipe jacks although practical engineering considerations and economics may impose restrictions. Drives of several hundred metres either in a straight line or to a radius are routine. A number of excavation systems are available including manual, mechanical and remote control. Pipes in the range 150mm to 3000mm, can be installed by employing the appropriate system. Construction tolerances are compatible with other tunnelling methods, and the pipe jacking method generally requires less overbreak than segmental tunnels, providing better ground support. Excavation methods are similar to those ‘employed in other forms of tunnelling using either manual or mechanical excavation. Shields, excavation and face support can be provided for a wide variety of ground conditions.the pipe jacking technique \n order to install a pipeline using this technique, thrust and reception pits are constructed, usually at manhole positions. The dimensions and construction of a thrust pit vary according to the specific requirements of any drive with economics boing a key factor. Mechanised excavation may require larger pits than hand excavated drives, although pipe jacking can be cartied out from small shafts to meet special site circumstances. ‘A thrust wall is constructed to provide a reaction against which to jack. In poor ground, piling or other special arrangements may have to be employed to increase the reaction capability of the thrust wall. Where there is insufficient depth to construct a normal thrust wall, for example through embankments, the jacking reaction has to be resisted by means of a structural framework constructed above ground level having adequate restraint provided by means of piles, ground anchors or other such methods for transferring horizontal loads. The substantial forces required for jacking concrete pipes are provided by high pressure jacks driven by hydraulic power packs. The ram diameter and stroke of the jack may vary according to an individual contractor's technique. Short stroke jacks with multiple spacer biocks, medium stroke jacks with shorter length pipes or long ‘stroke jacks, which can push a full length pipe at one setting may be used.To ensure that the jacking forces are distributed around the circumference of a pipe being jacked, a thrust ring is provided of a design dependent on the number of jacks being used. The jacks are interconnected hydraulically to ensure that the thrust from each is the same. The number of jacks used may vary because of the pipe size, the strength of the jacking pipes, the fength to be installed and the anticipated frictional resistance. A reception pit of sutficient size for removal of the jacking shield is normally required at the completed end of each drive. The initial alignment of the pipe jack is obtained by accurately positioning guide rails within the thrust pit on which the pipes are laid, To maintain accuracy of alignment during pipe jacking, it is necessary to use a steerable ‘shield, which must be frequently checked for line and level from a fixed reference. For short or simple pipe jacks, these checks can be carried out using traditional surveying equipment. Rapid excavation and remote control techniques require sophisticated electronic guidance systems using a combination of lasers and screen based computer techniques.applications and benefits The maior applications for pipe jacking and microtunnelling include new sewerage and drainage construction, sewer replacement and relining, gas and water mains, oil pipelines, electricity and telecommunications’ cable installation, and culveris. Special applications include the installation of rectangular or circular sections for pedestrian subways, road underpasses and bridge abutments. “The technique can be used to negotiate ‘obstacles such as motorways, railways, rivers, canals, buildings and airfields in the path of pipelaying projects; to minimise the surface disruption frequently associated with open cut pipelaying methods in urban areas; or simply to provide a permanent underground tunnel construction. Pipes below 900mm in diameter are installed using remote control microtunnelling systems. Lengths in excess of 80m are attainable using non-man-entry microtunnelling machines. Pipe jacking is primarily used for multiple lengths as an alternative to open cut excavations or other tunnelling mathods. Lengths in excess of 300m are regularly attainable using mechanised driving of man-entry-size pipe jacks. Pipe jacking can also be used for short crossings in placs of piled excavations for the crossing of canals and railways. Construction methods are available to cope with both cohesive and non-cohesive soils in dry or water bearing conditions. Excavation techniques are also available for jacking through rock, boulders or mixed ground conditions. The benefits of pipe jacking are: @ Inherent strength of lining © Minimal surface disruption © Loss risk of settlement © Minimal reinstatement ‘© Reduced requirement for utilities diversions in urban areas ‘© Smooth internal finish giving good flow characteristics © No requirement for secondary lining © Considerably less joints than a segmental tunnel © Prevention of ground water ingress by use of pipes with sealed flexible joints © Provision of invert channels in larger pipes to contain the dry weather flow of a sewer in a combined system © Avvirtually maintenance free construction © Significant reduction in social costs when ‘compared to open cut trenching in urban areas © Reduced environmental disturbancesite investigation and information required on soil conditions When designing and costing works to be and the nature of the material, Full information should be made available carried out by pipe jacking, a full site toxic constituents and the presence of to the pipe jacking contractor, to enable an investigation report should be undertaken gases accurate assessment to be made of the to determine the characteristics of the soils techniques required to execute the work likely to be encountered together with ROCK iso any historical information associated details of the water table, such as its rate of Colour with the works should be made available to inflow and any tidal or seasonal changes. Grain size the contractor. i For particular types of soils these Geological type | characteristics include:- Rock Strength (MN/m?) : Total Core Recovery (TCR) t NON-COHESIVE SOILS Solid Core Recovery (SCR) i Grading analysis of particle distribution Rock Quality Description (ROD) Permeability of soil Fracture index (Fl) i Soil density Standard penetration test of soil (N factor) COHESIVE SOILS Apparent cohesion or unconfined compressive strength Soil density Standard penetration test of soil Moisture content and plasticity indices MIXED SOILS Information as above for cohesive soils together with evidence of artesian or perched water tables and pumping tests FILL MATERIAL Information as above for cohesive soils with particular reference to compactionUNSTABLE GROUND CONDITIONS Tunnelling methods depend on the stability ‘of the ground, Where unstable conditions are likely to be met, the face of the tunnel must be made stable to prevent ground loss and to enable mining to take place safely. This can be achieved by using geotechnical processes or by using specialised tunnelling methods such as compressed air, full face earth pressure balancing machines, or slurry/soft ground TBM's. Pipe jacking can be used in conjunction with the following processes: {a) Dewatering by well points or deep wells (0) Grouting by the use of cement, ‘cementibentanite or chemicals {c) In extreme cases, ground freezing ‘The choice of process is a function of the nature of the ground, the water content, and in particular the particle size analysis. The chart adjacent gives an indication of the process applicable to various conditions. Detailed advice should, however, be sought from specialists. ‘GROUND TREATMENT AND FACE SUPPORT METHODS FOR VARYING. GROUND CONDITIONS [i [Cees [fa [win [ee [Fa oo Coo co| oo design and constr Prior to embarking on a detalled construction design and method analysis, the client's engineer will generally have ascertained the basic design parameters to meet the requirements of the scheme. For a sewerage system these are likely to inolude: @ Hydraulic requirements. @ Preferred route @ Manhole requirements © Depth © Gradient Following an assessment of engineering, environmental and cost parameters, pipe jack excavation method and shaft construction will also be governed by a number of factors which include: ‘© Ground conditions © Details of existing services and underground structures © Location of manholes and working areas @ Lengths required © Diameters of pipeline © Economics Pimeecrem tema eysereans Teo Ground conditions will play @ major role in determining the type of shaft to be constructed, the pipe jack excavation method and any ground support systems to be used. Each of these may have limitations in terms of either the diameter or length of drive. The interface between these variables, together with physical Considerations, such as the location of manholes and the size of working areas, will provide an optimum solution or range of solutions which can then be appraised on the basis of cost and value engineering, When considering the use of pipe jacking as an alternative to open cut, an assessment of the advantage of ‘realignment should be made. This may shorten the overall length of the pipeline, and also reduce the number of manholes required. uction methods WORKING SHAFTS A range of working shaft construction methods can be used for pipe jacking ‘operations, including: © Segmental lining ‘© Pre-cast or cast insitu caissons © Sheet piling or secant piling © Shallow trench sheeted or timber ‘Supported excavation © Battered excavation © Ground anchorages In cortain instances, ground treatment methods may be required to enable the construction of the shaft to proceed. These include: © Well pointing and deep wells ‘© Compressed air © Suspension grouts ‘© Chemical stabilisation © Ground freezing The tables overleat provide a guide to the ‘most common practice for selecting shatts, but are not exhaustive.10 4 design and construction methods DESIGN OF WORKING SHAFTS IN DRY GROUND Dry Cohesive, Dry Non-Cohesive and Dry Mixed and Fill Conditions TYPE SIZE AND DEPTH ‘GAOUND ‘REMARKS SHAPE TREATMENT Segmental saam da United Notrequired | O'smetor dopondent on pipe jacking ‘othe and rg ‘Shoat pled any Upto 15m Noteequiied | Sz0 and shape ‘dependent on pipe Jacking meted andi Secantpilod | Any Uptez0m Notrequiied | Size and shape pendent on pipo acaeng metho nag ‘Toneh sheeted | Any Uptosm Notrequeed | Size and shape epend on pie Jacking method eds Pre-est caisson | 2amdia pte 10m Notrequred | Sultaie for mmiretunsliog Castiasits - - - Not appcable caiseon Battered any Shatiow Needed fengle | For shallow work only evcavaten ‘of repose of sal ; ‘xceoded. ‘Ground any Notrequred | Goneraty used fanenorages forges trough embankmentsDESIGN OF WORKING SHAFTS IN WET GROUND ‘Wet Cohesive, Wet Non-Cohesive and Wet Mixed and Fill Conditions NPE ‘SIZE AND SHAPE: DEPTH GROUND ‘TREATMENT REMARKS: ‘Segment 2am dia Limitad by ground treatment We poining Deep wal ‘euaterng casson Gompresseo a Suspension grout Chama! iaoiisaton (Ground reezing ‘6 motes cepth omeves depth 4ametes depth 25 moves depth nites depth 50 motes depth Urmited depth Shoat ple Wie pointing Deep wal dowstorng Depth dependent on Water abi draw down ‘and pile cual level Secant plod Maybe required for base stoity Need large working Teonch sheeted Not recommended Pre-cast caisson Upto10m May be requied forbase sbity Sula for ricco Cast insite Uupto4om May be enirod forbase sabity operat for malor projets attood fexeavations Not apoflcabie Ground fsnchoreges: Not apoiesbie NOTES {a) Working shafts can be converted to permanent works, ie segmental or caissons to manholes or piled shafts to manhole rings. (b) The type of construction is not generally governed by the ground treatment method, which should be considered as an assistance to the construction method. (©) In non-cohesive wet conditions segmental shafts can also be constructed by underpinning using a shait shield, (d) In rock, the shaft design will depend on the characteristics of the material. 1eet ee eHI Eee SEEPS EE Peer eee Cr Ceo Eee FE ere Heer Pein IE Hore cee er 4 design and construction methods PIPE JACKING EXCAVATION METHODS selection of the appropriate ground support technique: A range of pipe jacking excavation (€) Open hand shield — an open face shield in methods are illustrated. In most cases, the ‘which manuel excavation takes place, choice of method will also depend on the GSS RIOT CIA EN ein 2REE eect pree ee ere ee eee EE pace) corte Geran Ee Oo eb eee el lero eeflcer eee PEPE a (@) Full face tunne! boring machine (TBM) ~ ‘a shield having a rotating cutting head in which the face may be separated from the rest of the shield by a bulkhead. Various cutting heads are available to suit a broad range of ground conditions. {9) Cutter boom shield - an open face shield in which a cutter boom is mounted for excavation purposes. (f) Backacter shield ~an open face shield in ‘which a mechanical backacter is mounted for excavation purposes.4 design and construction methods (9) Slurry machine ~ a soft ground full face tune! boring machine in which the excavated material is transported from the face ina slurry. Various cutting heads are avaliable o sult a broad range of ground conditions. The pressure of the shury is used to balance the ground face pressure. (h) Earth pressure balance machine (EPBM) ~ ull face tunnel boring machine in which the excavated material is transported from the face by a balanced screw auger or screw conveyer. The face is supported by excavated material held under pressure behind the cutter head in front of the forward bulkhead. Pressure is controlled by the rate ot passage of excavated ‘material through the balanced screw auger or valves on the screw conveyor. Air pressurised shield — a shiels on which the ‘ground water pressure is balanced by ‘compressed air in the excavation chamber.sss | () Microtunnelling machine ~ fully guided shield machine normally less than one metre external diameter which is controlled by an operator from ‘outside the pipeline.16 design and construction methods Dry Cohesive, Dry Non-Cohesive and Dry Mixed and Fill Conditions EXCAVATION | PIPELINE LENGTH FACE REMARKS, INTO SUPPORT. (Open hang shies | e00-3000mm | Generally upto | Conse face | Subject tointeriacs, 200m ‘oarés, soi rays | lobraton and cuter boom stiais} 1250-30c0mm — | Generally upto Only appicable to 0am strong cohosive sole 1200-2000 Subject to inter jacks, lubreatin ara ‘economies seosdoomm — | Generatyupto | Intuinito | subjectoinriocs Soon” method lubeication end ‘Stury machine Generaly upto | Intuitnto ‘Subject to iteracks, 00m method Ibecaton end Earth prossure Generally upto | ln-buitinio Subject o ter acs, Dalange 500m ‘athos eteaton a Alcpressure shi Mirotuoneting Generaty upto | in-buitino suet iericis, 2am lubreaton, scorers and guidance sytem NOTES (a) Overall lengths between manholes can be increased by driving pipe jacks towards each other and joining underground. (b) When selecting a full face machine, consideration should be given to the ability of the machine to deal with Particle sizes, cobbles, boulders, or any other obstructions. (c) In cohesive materials, the disposal of spoil from slurry machines may require special handling and disposal facilities at working shatts. (d) Rock can be excavated using a cutter boom shield, a full face TBM, a microtunnelling machine or open face shield in conjunction with breakers or blasting methods. (©) Consideration must be given to stabilisation around the pipe jack entry and exit eyes in shafts, This can be by a number of methods, for example, reducing the water level or grouting.PIPE JACKING EXCAVATION METHODS FOR WET GROUND Wet Cohesive, Wet Non-Cohesive and Wet Mixed and Fill Conditions EXCAVATION | PIPELINE LENGTH ‘GROUND REMARKS: Ir. SUPPORT ‘Open rand shied | sooccocmm — | Generaty upto | Chemical ‘Subjet to ground 200m ‘Siblisaton | conditions, depth ‘Suspansion grouts| fterjacks, Wriation Will pores ‘nd oonemics Deop wels ‘utter boom shill] — 2 = ot applcable| Backacter ¥200.8000mm — | Goreraty upto | Chemical Subject to ground 500m ‘Suelisaton. | condtbons, depth, ‘suspansion grouts| inerjacks,ubreaton Will pois and economies Deep walls Ta ‘so0-sooanm — | Generaly upto | Chemical ‘Subject to ground ‘00m ‘atifsation | congstione dep Suspension grots| ineriaexs,ubreation Wet pots Sand economies Bog walls ‘Surymactine | s00s00anm | Generaly upto | inbultmehos | Subjectio merece, 500m beaten and canaries arm pressure | 900-3000mm | Generaly upto | Parialyin-tat | Limted io waior balance 00m plus re ead, Ehemicl Feta jacks, bication ‘ublisaton | and economics Suspencion grout Well potas Deop wels ‘Nc pressure 2000-9000m | Generalyupto | In-bultmetiod | Subjecttcinterjace, en 500m lubveston and Micrownealing | 160-200mm Genwraly upto | Dependent on ype], Subjoct to hteriacs, 20m obmachine bubricatan,econorrie ‘and guidance system "718 5 TE pipe jacking pipes Canerate is tha mast someon matarial used as a primary lining for pipe jacking, with the largest standard range having diameters from about 300mm to 3000mm or greater if required. However, pipes of steel, grp, asbestos cement and, in the smaller diameters, vitrified clay are also used. The choice of material can be influenced by diameter, length of drive, and in some cases, by ground conditions or the intended end use of the pipeline. Pipes of composite manufacture, for example conerete and grp, have been produced to meet exceptional conditions. Guidance on jointing techniques together with advice on joint packings should be obtained from the manufacturer ‘The majority of pipe jacks are for sewerage or drainage applications, and such projects normally involve concrete jacking pipes in the man-entry diameters and concrete and clay in the smaller microtunnelling sizes. MAN-ENTRY JACKING PIPES Concrete jacking pipes for man-entry diameters from 900mm to 3000mm should be manufactured in compliance with British Standard 5911:Part 120:1989. They should be obtained from a certified manufacturer, such that they will be supplied from a factory which is quality assured to BS 5750:Part 2/1S09002 and the pipes should be kitemarked. Concrete jacking pipes produced'in accordance with BS 5911 are reinforced, normally using double concentric cages to achieve the Class J loading, although higher loading can be produced to meet (2) Typical flexible joints Robated type mera more onerous superimposed loading conditions, Pipes are generally available in lengths between 1.2 and 2.5 metres and are designed such that the jacking forces may be transmitted along the pipeline without damage to the joint. The pipe joints are generally of two types; either rebated or butt jointed incorporating steel or grp collar bands (5a). Both jointtypes incorporate an elastomettic sealing ting which may be a traditional circular cord or specially profiled sections to meet more severe hydraulic conditions. Flexible joints must comply with BS 5911 in terms of watertightness at given draw and deflection limits, but will difer in design etail from manufacturer to manufacturer. Specially rebated lead pipes can be produced for insertion into the Jacking shield (5b). Similarly, special rebated pipes are produced for the tralling pipes at intermediate jacking stations. Leading pipes at interjack stations can be supplied to fit directly to an interjack shield or may be produced with an integral interjack shield (5c). MICROTUNNELLING PIPES: Concrete jacking pipes for microtunnelling are similar in design to the larger diameter pipes to BS 5911, but are generally of the butt-jointed type. Pipes are manufactured from 1.0 to 2. metres long, and internal diameters of 300mm—875mm are readily available. Concrete microtunneliing pipes are not necessarily reinforced. 1920 Vitrified clay pipes for microtunneliing are basically thicker wall versions of the normal superstrenath pipes produced in accordance with BS 65:1988. The joints of vitrified clay pipes (Sd) are normally of the double spigot type incorporating a loose joint band which may be of steel or, in the case of the smailer diameters, rubber coated polypropylene. The internal diameter range is generally from 150mm=600mm, although larger diameters, up to 1000mm, are offered. Pipe lengths are usually in the 1.0—1.2 metre range for the more common smaller diameters. STEEL PIPES Berar Wm te reat Stee! pipes of varying lengths are used as bieserioal sleeves for the installation of gas, oil and water pipelines where fine tolerances in line and level are not usually required. Factors such as welding time and pit size should be considered when determining the length of each individual pipe. SECONDARY LININGS AND/OR REINVERTING ‘There may be certain drives where because of the nature of the ground, the required length of drive, or end use, considered desirable to jack a pipe of larger diameter than required as the primary lining. The finished diameter is then achieved by either reinverting or by installing smaller diameter secondary pipes (5e). Secondary inverts and pipes can be constructed in a range of materials such as concrete, steel, asbestos cement, gre, pve, or vitrified clay, depending on the material to be conveyed. Secondary pipe linings can be laid in the invert or supported on spiders. Where required, the annulus can be solidly grouted.jacking lengths, loads and tolerances YACKING LENGTHS, Pipe jacking lengths achievable are dependent upon a number of interrelated and variable factors: the arching and friction characteristics of the ground, the Self weight and strength of the pipes, the diameter of pipe, the type of shield, and the available jacking reaction, The major Constraint will be the nature of the ground and the characteristics of the water content. However, the cistance to be jacked can be increased by use of a range of techniques: INTERMEDIATE JACKING STATIONS. Intermediate jacking stations are frequently used between the thrust pit rig and the face {0 redistribute the total required jacking force on the pipe. A steel cylinder is introduced into the pipeline and hydraulic jacks are placed around the periphery of this cylinder. The auxiliary jacking station is then moved forward with the pipeline in the normal way until its operation becomes necessary. On reaching the design value of the thrust force, the pipes behind the intermediate jacking station are held stressed back to the thrust wall in the pit The jacks in the intermediate station are then opened, thus moving the forward section of the pipeline. a6 jacking lengths, loads and tolerances ‘At completion of the stroke of the jack, the LUBRICATION main jacks in the thrust pit are actuated, advancing the rear of the pipeline to The pipe jack shield is designed to produce its original position relative to the leading a small overbreak to the external diameter pipes, and thereby closing the intermediate _of the pipeline in the order of 20mm. station jacks. The sequence is then By injecting a clay-based lubricant into this Fepeated for the duration of the thrust and, ‘on completion, the jacks and fittings are removed from the shield and the pi closed up, the joint being made with an acceptable proprietary jointing material. Interjack stations are not only used to increase the jacking lengths achievable, but also to reduce the drag forces on the surrounding ground. 2 annulus the pipeline can, in theory, be jacked freely through a fluid medium. In practice, however, fluid losses may occur into the surrounding ground. Providing these can be controlled, the technique results in considerable reductions in jacking forces and therefore longer jacking lengths.| = = = : UNDERGROUND CONNECTIONS A simple technique for increasing the length of a pipe jack is to jack from two pits to an intermediate position where an underground connection can be made. This method can be used in a wide variety of ground conditions JACKING LOADS Loads required to jack the pipeline forward are mainly a function of frictional forces built up around the pipeline. These forces depend on the type of ground and, in particular, ts arching characteristics, the depth of overburden and any surcharge load, the length and diameter of the pipe being jacked and the time taken for the operation. Whilst itis alificutt to accurately assess these forces using soil mechanics theory, pipe jacking contractors have after years of experience derived empirical values. As a guide, frictional forces fall between 0.5 and SE 2.5 tonnes per square metre of extemal P2 cireumtorentia area, su25tefs Frictional forces on the pipeline may be reduced by applying a suitable lubricant, 23jacking lengths, loads and tolerances such as bentonite, under pressure. If high trictional resistance is anticipated, itis recommended that intermediate jacking stations are placed at regular intervals in the pipeline. ‘These jacking loads must be resisted by a Jacking reaction built up within the thrust shaft. This is normally achieved by the ‘construction of a thrust wall at the back cof the thrust pit designed to withstand the anticipated jacking load and to suitably transfer such loading to the surrounding ground. JACKING TOLERANCES In stable, self-supporting, homogenous ground, the permitted tolerance for man- entry pipes is +75mm of a true line and 50mm of true level at any point in the drive. For microtunnelling, tolerances of 425mm in line and level are attainable. However, in some ground conditions, particularly unstable ground and rook, these tolerances may not be readily attainable. In such circumstances where this tolerance or a finer one must be achieved, larger pipe sizes can be considered combined with reinverting to give the required grade. Adjustment to line and level should be gradual to ensure that the pipe manufacturer's stated permitted draw or angular deflection is not exceeded at any individual joint. In the case of steel pipe jacks, it is not normal to use a steerable shield on the front of the pipeline, only a cutting edge, and therefore specific tolerances cannot be guaranteed. The finished alignment is dependent upon the rigidity of the pipe and the ground conditions encountered. As a guide, a tolerance of 1% of driven length can be achieved and this is generally acceptable for pressure mains. Whilst the Association does its best to ensure that any advice, recommendation or information it may ‘ive is accurate, no liability or responsibilty of any kind (including Fablity for negligence) is accepted by the Association, its servants or agents, in this respect.