For driving concrete or steel pipes under an obstacle.
Tunnel boring, commonly known as pipe jacking, is a technique that requires the use of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and a thrust station.
The tunnel boring machine (TBM) first sinks into the ground on concrete or steel pipes, which are then pushed directly behind it by hydraulic cylinders at the jacking station. A variety of TBMs are available: rotary head or with excavator, depending on conditions.
These concrete pipes, made specifically for this type of work, have no bells and allow direct contact between the pipe and the ground.
The material is evacuated as it goes, using an auger or a rail-mounted grab.
The alignment of the TBM is monitored in real time using precision equipment. The operator constantly makes the necessary corrections.
Pipe jacking can be used for pipes of various diameters.
We used the pipe jacking technique for pipe diameters ranging from 915 millimeters (36 in.) to 3048 millimeters (120 in.), over distances of up to 175 meters (575 ft.)!
Important: Beforehand, boreholes must be drilled so that we can determine their feasibility, overcome any possible difficulties and determine the drilling trajectory. Contact us for more information.
We can drill boreholes up to 10 feet in diameter and over 600 feet in length, depending on conditions.
We have used the utility TBM in a variety of soil types for tunnels up to 2400 millimeters in diameter, and are ready to take on new challenges. For larger diameters, we prefer the Pipe Jacking technique.
Important: Beforehand, boreholes must be drilled to determine feasibility and the drilling trajectory. Contact us for more information.
