What is Trenchless Construction?
What is Trenchless Construction?
Trenchless construction is a method of construction that eliminates the need for long trenches to be excavated in order to install underground pipes, cables and other infrastructure.
Rather than digging the traditional open-cut trenches to lay utility lines, trenchless methods such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe jacking, microtunneling and auger boring can be used to bore beneath the surface to form a tunnel or passageway.
These methods reduce environmental impacts, minimize disruption at the surface level and provide faster installation times than traditional trench excavation.
What Is Trenchless Methods?
Trenchless methods are a form of construction and repair techniques used to install or repair underground services such as pipes, sewers, cables and conduits.
It is a cost-effective, technical solution to replacing underground infrastructure with minimal disruption to surface levels by reducing the need for excavation works.
The two most common trenchless techniques that can be deployed include horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and pipe bursting.
HDD involves drilling through the ground horizontally in order to pull an already assembled pipeline back into place, while pipe bursting uses an existing line as a guide for inserting a new pipe of larger diameter by fracturing it.
What Is The Most Common Material Used For Trenchless Repair?
The most common material used for trenchless repair is polyethylene pipe, also known as HDPE pipe.
This material is chosen because it is cost-effective, lightweight, has excellent tensile strength, and does not corrode or rust.
Additionally, polyethylene resists chemicals which makes it ideal for sewer lines with high levels of wastewater.
It can be joined together in different ways depending on the application including butt welding and electrofusion welding methods.
HDPE pipes are extremely durable and can even withstand ground movement or seismic activities.
Its flexibility allows it to be used in tight spaces making trenchless repair a great option when there are space restrictions such as roads or buildings.
What Are The Objectives Of Trenchless Technology?
Trenchless technology is a highly effective way of installing and replacing underground pipelines, cables and conduits.
Its main objectives include improving safety, efficiency and cost savings associated with traditional open-trench installation practices by limiting excavation and disruption to the surface above.
It also provides longer service life for pipelines, minimizes environmental impact while potentially providing additional structural support to roads, runways and other infrastructure, along with improved access to underground locations where traditional methods are not feasible.
