SUB-SEA TRENCH EXCAVATING APPARATUS

摘要

A trench excavating apparatus 10 for excavating a trench 100 and placing an elongated member 110 such as a cable or pipe within the excavated trench 100, has a movable body 20 having at least one elongated member support 30 for carrying the elongated member 110. An excavating device 40 is connected to the movable body 20 for excavating the trench 100, the excavating device 40 being adjustable to provide a varying trench depth. A measuring means is present for measuring a parameter relating to the elongated member 110 as it is supported by the elongated member support 30, whereby the excavating device 40 is adjusted to vary the depth of the excavated trench 100 in response to changes in the measured parameter. The measured parameter may be the load exerted on the support member 30, or the angle of the elongated member 110 relative to the support member 30 which carries the elongated member 110.