Trenchless Goes Hybrid: Old Tricks Are Finding New Applications

by Brian Dorwart, P.E., (M.ASCE), Senior consultant at Brierley Associates in Bedford, N.H., bdorwart@brierleyassociates.com.,
, P.G.

Serial Information: Geo-Strata —Geo Institute of ASCE, 2021, Vol. 25, Issue 6, Pg. 56-63


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract: The International Society for Trenchless Technology defines trenchless technology as "Underground construction methods of utility installation, rehabilitation, inspection, location and leak detection, with minimum excavation from the surface." Today, trenchless contractor innovations and technology improvements are responding to the demand for cheaper and faster trenchless construction at a rapid pace. Innovation is expanding the range of subsurface conditions where existing equipment can achieve owner-prescribed design criteria. Business sectors with linear underground infrastructure are realizing benefits related to reduced cost, schedule, permitting conditions, and avoidance of right-of-way acquisition as a result of these technology advances and innovations in a maturing trenchless technology market. To understand the values of these advancements, some historical background on the technology offers perspective and context regarding their value.

Subject Headings: Trenchless technology | Underground construction | Innovation | Subsurface utilities | Hybrid methods | Construction methods | Underground structures

 

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