Trenchless Technology:Trenchless construction includes such construction methods

as tunneling, micro-tunneling (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.
Horizontal Directional Drilling:Directional boring, commonly called horizontal directional
drilling or HDD, is a steerable trenchless method of installing
underground pipes, conduits and cables in a shallow arc along a
prescribed bore path by using a surface-launched drilling rig, with
minimal impact on the surrounding area. Directional boring is
used when trenching or excavating is not practical. It is suitable
for a variety of soil conditions and jobs including road, landscape
and river crossings. Installation lengths up to 2000 m have been
completed, and diameters up to 1200 mm have been installed in
shorter runs. Pipes can be made of materials such
as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, Ductile iron, and steel if the
pipes can be pulled through the drilled hole. Directional boring is
not practical if there are voids in the rock or incomplete layers of
rock. The best material is solid rock or sedimentary material. Soils
with cobble stone are not recommended. There are different types

of heads used in the pilot-hole process, and they depend on the

geological material.
Micro-Tunneling:Micro-tunnel boring machines are very similar to tunnel boring
machines (TBM) but on a smaller scale. These machines generally
vary from 0.61 to 1.5 meters (2 ft 0 in to 4 ft 11 in) but smaller
and larger machines have existed. Usually the operator controls
the machine from a control room on the surface of the ground.
The Micro-tunneling machine and jacking frame are set up in a
shaft at the required depth. The operator is given constant
feedback about the machines location, orientation and hydraulic
devices via a computer console or CCTV camera. Most machines
also have video cameras set up to enable the operator to monitor
activities in the jacking shaft and at the separation plant. The
operator controls the MTBM and the jacking frame from the safety
of the control room which is usually situated on the surface, next
to the jacking shaft.
In most micro-tunneling operations the machine is launched
through an entry eye and pipes are pushed behind the machine.
This is a process often called pipe jacking and is repeated until
the Micro-tunneling machine reaches the reception shaft. As the
machine advances, more tunnel liner or pipe is pushed from the
starting shaft, through the entry eye. Thus, the speed of the
advancing machine is controlled by the speed at which the pipe is
inserted into the entry eye via the extension of the hydraulic rams
in the jacking frame.

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