Trenchless Technologies
The need to preserve existing infrastructure and the limitations imposed by regulations can make trenchless design and construction particularly challenging. A tailored approach that selects the right trenchless technology for each implementation is critical to successfully navigating these complex challenges.
What You Need to Know About Trenchless Technologies
There are several options for trenchless design and installation, and our experienced team and diverse project portfolio help inform the selection of the appropriate approach. These include:
- Horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This is a steerable trenchless method of installing pipe underground in a shallow arc along a predetermined bore path at variable angles by using a guidable drill bit, with minimal impact on the surrounding surface area. HDD minimizes the impact not just on the ground itself, but also on the surrounding area and population in terms of traffic impacts, construction footprint and duration. This in turn reduces overall project costs and shortens timelines for our clients.
- Auger boring (jack and bore). In this technique, a bore is formed between a jacking pit and a receiving pit by means of a rotating cutting head. Spoil is removed back to the drive shaft by helically wound auger flights rotating in a steel casing. This method is most suited to shorter installations under roads and railroads where maintaining structural strength underground is critical.
- Microtunneling. This technique involves the installation of small-diameter pipes using a remotely controlled, laser-guided microtunnel boring machine. This method is particularly advantageous within challenging urban environments, beneath sensitive areas, or where open-cut excavation is impractical.
- Bridge supported utility infrastructure. This is a cost- and schedule-efficient means to use existing infrastructure to transmit electrons or molecules across bodies of water or large openings in the ground. Additionally, it can reduce environmental impact, preserve natural scenery and allow for simpler system maintenance when compared to other construction and installation methods.
Why Burns & McDonnell
Our skilled professionals dig deep to find and address any concerns throughout the development of an installation. In addition to routing and feasibility studies and technology assessments, we perform field inspections, subsurface utility engineering, geotechnical and geophysical analysis, and inadvertent return analysis. Additionally, we apply our experience-based knowledge to settlement and stress analyses, land acquisition and land use rights, environmental permitting, encroachment and crossing permitting, and public involvement.
Our team has decades of field experience in all facets of underground installations. These experienced professionals have solved a myriad of jobsite issues that can be encountered unexpectedly during an underground construction project. This means we are able to provide timely and useful solutions that mitigate impacts on a project’s schedule and budget.
