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Microtunneling

What is Microtunneling?

Microtunneling is a trenchless construction method used to install pipelines and conduits with precision beneath roadways, waterways, and developed areas. Operated remotely, this process minimizes surface disruption while achieving accurate line and grade, making it ideal for complex infrastructure projects.

Problems It Solves

  • Need for trenchless installation in congested or sensitive areas
  • Surface disruption from traditional open-cut methods
  • Risk of damaging existing utilities or infrastructure
  • Challenges in unstable or water-bearing soils
  • Projects requiring precise alignment and grade control

Types of Polymers Used

High-Density Polyurethane Foams

  • Provides ground stabilization around launch and reception shafts
  • Fills voids created during tunneling operations
  • Prevents soil migration that can compromise alignment

Structural Polyurethane Resins

  • Strengthens soils surrounding installed pipelines
  • Creates rigid bedding support for conduits
  • Extends service life by reinforcing weak ground zones

Hydro-Insensitive Polymers

  • Expands reliably in saturated or water-bearing soils
  • Controls groundwater during tunneling operations
  • Ensures stability in challenging subsurface environments
Two construction workers in safety vests looking over worksite with clipboard

Benefits of Microtunneling

Microtunneling delivers accurate, trenchless installation for pipelines and utilities while minimizing disturbance to the surface and surrounding infrastructure. This process ensures project safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Precision Tunneling With Minimal Surface Impact

  • Provides precise alignment and grade control
  • Reduces disruption in urban or environmentally sensitive areas
  • Trenchless solution protects existing utilities and infrastructure
  • Delivers long-term performance in challenging soil conditions

Key Applications

Water & Sewer Pipelines

Installs pressurized and gravity lines beneath developed corridors

Utility Crossings

Provides trenchless solutions under highways, railroads, and waterways

Industrial Facilities

Installs conduits for power, process, or service lines

Stormwater Systems

Creates large-diameter tunnels for drainage and flood control

Marine & Coastal Projects

Supports outfall and intake line construction beneath water bodies

Municipal Infrastructure

Provides trenchless pipeline installation in congested urban areas

Industries & Applications

Microtunneling supports a wide range of industries requiring trenchless pipeline installation and utility tunneling. From municipal systems to industrial and marine applications, this process enables safe and efficient construction in sensitive or congested areas.

Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation Infrastructure

Highways, rail corridors, airports

Municipal Systems

Municipal Systems

Water, sewer, and stormwater systems

Industrial Facilities

Industrial Facilities

Plants, processing facilities, utility conduits

Commercial

Commercial

Developments requiring trenchless service installations

Marine & Coastal

Marine & Coastal

Outfalls, intakes, underwater crossings

Energy & Utility

Energy & Utility

Pipelines, substations, underground utilities

How Our Process Works

1

Investigation

Site conditions evaluated with geotechnical data and subsurface inspections

2

Planning

Tunnel design, alignment, and diameter specified for the project

3

Access

Launch and reception shafts constructed with minimal surface disruption

4

Injection

Remote-controlled microtunneling machine advances while placing casing or pipeline

5

Monitoring

Line, grade, and ground conditions tracked continuously for precision

6

Validation

Post-installation inspections confirm alignment and long-term performance

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