A Look Into The Different Methods of Trenchless Construction

Trenchless construction is an alternative underground piping construction method to the traditional open trenches. There are a few different trenchless construction methods that are used in the installation of utilities. Read below for information on each of these methods:

Microtunneling

This trenchless construction method is used to create small tunnels – the tunnels are too small to fit an operator into the machine. The machine must be operated via remote control. This method can be used for the installation of pipelines beneath highways, railroads, runways and other transportation passageways.

Sliplining

Sliplining is one of the oldest methods for rehabilitation of pipelines. It is a trenchless construction method that installs new piping (carrier pipe) by inserting it into the existing pipe (host pipe) by either pushing or pulling it through.

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a pipe, or cable, installation method that uses steerable equipment. HDD is a trenchless construction method that uses a surface drill to create a shallow arc below the surface. This technique can be used in construction projects that are conducted over large passageways.

Pipe bursting

Pipe bursting is a trenchless construction method for replacing pipes. The technique involves breaking the existing pipe and drawing in the new pipe with the bursting tool that is attached to and being pulled by a chain.

Cured in Place Pipe Liners

Cured in Place Pipe Liners (CIPP) is an economic and efficient rehabilitation method that uses a jointless, seamless pipe-within-a-pipe. This method can be used to rehabilitate pipes from 0.1 to 2.8 metres.