Trenchless technology

Trenchless construction

Trenchless construction includes such construction methods as tunneling, microtunneling (MTM), horizontal directional drilling (HDD) also known as directional boring, pipe ramming (PR), pipe jacking (PJ), moling, horizontal auger boring (HAB) and other methods for the installation of pipelines and cables below the ground with minimal excavation. Large diameter tunnels such as those constructed by a tunnel boring machine (TBM), and drilling and blasting techniques are larger versions of subsurface construction. The difference between trenchless and other subsurface construction techniques depends upon the size of the passage under construction.

The method requires considering soil characteristics and the loads applied to the surface. In cases where the soil is sandy, the water table is at shallow depth, or heavy loads like that of urban traffic are expected, the depth of excavation has to be such that the pressure of the load on the surface does not affect the bore, otherwise there is danger of surface caving in.

Trenchless rehabilitation

Trenchless rehabilitation includes such construction methods as sliplining, thermoformed pipe, pipe bursting, shotcrete, gunite, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), grout-in-place pipe, mechanical spot repair, and other methods for the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing buried pipes and structures without excavation, or at least with minimal excavation. Mechanical spot repair is applied where damaged pipelines require the re-instatement of structural integrity. Sliplining, CIPP, and thermoformed pipe lining involve pulling or inverting a new liner into an existing pipe, then applying heat and/or pressure to force the liner to expand to fill the pipe. CIPP technologies combine a carrier (felt or fibreglass) impregnated with heat, ultraviolet light, or ambient curable resin to form a "pipe within a pipe". Pipe bursting fractures a pipe from the inside and forces the fragments outwards while a new pipe is drawn in to replace the old. The other methods are primarily for fixing spot leaks. Trenchless rehabilitation methods are generally more cost-effective than traditional exhume (dig) and replace methods.

Trade associations

The trenchless technology industry is represented by several industry associations in addition to standing committees within almost every water and sewer related industry association. The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) was established in 1976 and is the oldest such association with a trenchless focus. The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) was established in 1990. The Indian Society for Trenchless Technology or IndSTT is the apex organization to promote Trenchless Technology in South Asia. It was established in 1995 with its head office at New Delhi. The International Society for Trenchless Technology, established in 1986, has 25 active national trenchless technology societies associated with it. Several organizations bring out technical Journals for sensitizing the readers about such techniques. No Dig India is the official Journal of IndSTT.

World Trenchless Day

World Trenchless Day is a day of global celebration (commemorated on the fourth Thursday of September each year) that shines a spotlight on all of trenchless technology’s benefits — safety, economics, environmental, social.

World Trenchless Day unites the entire trenchless industry — manufacturers, contractors, engineering firms, associations, public works and publications — to share the world of trenchless technology, reaching out to those who have not yet realized the impact that trenchless methods have on their communities.

The impact that the use of trenchless methods has on communities, the economy and quality of life is immense and will only continue to grow as municipalities and utilities realize and understand their benefits vs. traditional methods.

The inaugural World Trenchless Day was held Sept. 22, 2016.