Trenchless technology reduces surface disturbance and the negative effects of construction on a project. The application of trenchless technology has numerous advantages and a variety of approaches.

What Is Trenchless Technology?

Trenchless technology is a set of building techniques that provide subterranean infrastructure replacement, repair, and rehabilitation with the least amount of disturbance to ground-level operations.

For this kind of no-dig construction, a small vertical hole is typically made, and then underground pipes are reached by tunneling with a tunnel boring machine, horizontal directional drilling, or horizontal auger boring.

With these construction techniques, workers can reach sewer lines with little excavation. They can even fix a broken pipe without ripping it out of the soft ground because of trenchless technology.

Trenchless Technology Application

All current utilities that need to maintain the ground surface at all costs are now repaired, replaced, and installed using trenchless technologies.

Sanitary sewers, pipelines close to bodies of water, electrical conduits connected to a local power source, and even trenchless sewer line replacement are examples of these subterranean infrastructure projects.

This technology is highly valued by local government entities and construction teams because it enables them to work above a crucial pipeline without disrupting surface traffic or destroying the ecosystem.

It functions best in places where construction is prohibited or where the ground is unstable. It’s also ideal for people who want to save money over time.

Rehabilitation Methods of Trenchless Technology

The following are a few of the most widely used trenchless rehabilitation techniques for enhancing subsurface infrastructure:

Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP)

This whole trenchless technique began with the cured-in-place pipe, or CIPP, system. An existing pipe that may be too old or damaged must have a cloth lining inserted into it.

Because the resin in this lining has been cured in place, it adheres to the inside of the old pipe. The pipe functions like new after this lining is fastened.

Friction can be decreased by this curing process, enabling unhindered gas and liquid flow. It also uses less force than bursts or rams in pipes. By doing this, the ground above is kept steady and immobile.

Shotcrete

While shotcreting—the process of pumping liquid concrete through a hose—predates trenchless technology, it has since grown to be a crucial tool in the trenchless toolbox, and with good reason.

Damage and corrosion to pipelines can contaminate water systems. In just a few hours, they can fix and restore pipes by applying fast-acting concrete to the insides.

Thermoformed Pipe

This technology is comparable to CIPP, but because it is so safe, it can fix pipelines that carry potable drinking water.

In order to winch a coiled liner into position, the original pipe must be cleared during thermoforming. Steam and air pressure enable the liner to be later expanded, enclosing the inside of the pipe.

By doing this, all outside forces are blocked, extending the pipe’s useful life.

Sliplining

A close-fit lining can also be used to repair a pipe in this manner. This technique entails grouting the gap between the main pipe and a smaller pipe that is slid through it.

By doing this, you can extend the time between pipe replacements and double the pipes’ structural integrity.

Localized Repair

Pouring resin into damaged areas, caulking the wound, and caulking any pipe openings is the last option. It is a low-cost method of repair.

Other lining options include temporarily reducing the diameter or changing the shape of your pipes before repairing them if this is insufficient.

These can be accomplished by utilizing a reduction die or mechanical rolling.

Replacement Methods on an Existing Pipe

Subterranean pipes can be replaced using a variety of techniques, including pipe bursting, auger boring, and pipe ramming.

Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting, which is distinct from pipe ramming or pipe jacking, involves destroying an older pipe with force while inserting a pipe of the same size.

It ensures that the new pipe being inserted will fit snugly. This is accomplished by grinding and scattering the old pipe with the pipe bursting head, which creates space for the replacement pipe to slide behind the head.

New Techniques for Installing Trenchless Construction

Additionally, trenchless technology makes it possible to install new fixtures and pipes underground.

Microtunneling

This system simultaneously constructs lengthy utility tunnels using a laser-guided pipe-jacking system. It entails laying a massive underground path with a tunnel boring machine that has hydraulic capabilities.

NOTE: During this process, personnel entry is not possible

At a rate of 30 to 60 feet per day, a microtunneler can excavate up to 100 feet below the water table. It makes it simple to slide your new pipeline behind it.

In terms of how it removes spoil, it functions similarly to an auger boring machine and other screw-like auger systems, but it is designed differently.

Mini Horizontal Directional Drilling

Smaller pipelines are installed using this method. Since your new pipe will be fed underground through a pilot hole, there won’t be much surface excavation required.

For the transportation of cable, water, and fuel, this system is essential.

How Trenchless Technology Enhances Water Management

Water Loss Reduction Through Effective Repairs

In many South African municipalities, water supply system leaks are a serious problem. Up to 40% of water is thought to be lost as a result of old pipeline leaks. Traditional pipe repairs can be costly, time-consuming, and disruptive, which makes large-scale implementation challenging.

Conversely, trenchless technology makes pipe rehabilitation quicker and less invasive, allowing damaged pipelines to be fixed with minimal disturbance. Camjet’s trenchless solutions can significantly cut down on water loss by caulking leaks and strengthening weak areas, thereby conserving precious water resources.

Reduced Effect on the Environment

The low environmental impact of trenchless technology is one of its biggest advantages. Large trenches must be dug as part of traditional pipe replacement techniques, which frequently disturb nearby ecosystems, landscapes, and roads. This may lead to pollution, soil erosion, and damage to plants and animals.

Trenchless solutions, on the other hand, require little to no digging, which results in less soil displacement, lower carbon emissions from large machinery, and less environmental disturbance. This is especially crucial in delicate places where protecting the environment is of utmost importance, like wetlands or urban areas.

Infrastructure Management at a Low Cost

In addition to protecting natural resources, sustainable water management also entails prudent financial decision-making. Trenchless technology can help businesses and municipalities lower the total cost of replacing and repairing water infrastructure. The cost of labor and materials is much lower because extensive excavation is not required. This enables more frequent upkeep and repairs, averting more serious problems later.

Additionally, because the work is less intrusive, it can be finished faster, reducing the amount of time that businesses and residents are interrupted. As a result, the water system will eventually be more robust and able to meet the demands of an expanding population.

Maintaining the Quality of Water

Trenchless technology contributes to water quality maintenance in addition to water conservation. Public health may be impacted by contaminants introduced into the water supply by broken or decaying pipes.

Conclusion

Trenchless technology represents a significant advancement in infrastructure maintenance and repair. By minimizing surface disturbance and environmental impact, it provides efficient solutions for replacing and rehabilitating underground utilities. This innovative approach not only reduces costs and enhances water management but also preserves the integrity of ecosystems. As municipalities and construction teams increasingly adopt trenchless technology, we can expect improved infrastructure resilience and sustainability for future generations.

To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link:

https://aquaenergyexpo.com/