Updated Trenchless Construction Manual Illustrates Cost-Saving Options

Trenchless technology continues to expand at a very rapid rate, as more contractors recognize the efficiency and cost-savings that can be recognized in its usage. To help more of its members understand trenchless methods, the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) released this month its updated Trenchless Construction and New Installation Methods manual.

“The intent of this manual is to enhance the body of knowledge in our industry about trenchless techniques,” said NUCA CEO Doug Carlson. “It provides a central place that provides input from utility contractors who work every day to build underground infrastructure and provide safe and successful projects. The manual’s main focus is on constructability.”

As the industry continues to grow, many contractors are adding trenchless projects to their operations. Some bid trenchless projects without the proper knowledge to complete the job as specified, or their inexperience results in major project problems and costs.

Several years ago, NUCA’s Trenchless Technology Committee became concerned that there was a lack of understanding of what is needed to produce successful trenchless projects from the contractors’ perspective. This manual, four years in the making, is to help utility owners and engineers specify the right trenchless method that meets their specific project needs.

In previous editions of the manual, both new installation methods and renewal methods were presented. The Trenchless Technology Committee members decided the focus of the manual’s fifth edition should be just on the newest trenchless installation methods.

The manual describes in-depth these trenchless methods: 1) auger boring, 2) pipe jacking and utility tunnelling, 3) microtunneling, 4) pipe ramming, 5) horizontal directional drilling, 6) soil compaction methods, 7) direct pipe, 8) pilot tube, and 9) pipe bursting. The manual also addresses geotechnical conditions in the use of trenchless methods, as well as safety and legal obligations.

Trenchless technology can deliver a broad family of methods for installing pipelines and cables with minimum disruption to the environment and a community, according to an April 4 NUCA statement. Owners, engineers and contractors need to be knowledgeable about potential methods that can be cost-effectively used for their utility construction projects. This manual also can provide a decision-making process to assist users in selecting an appropriate trenchless method for subsurface projects.

This edition was prepared by the Trenchless Technology Center at Louisiana Tech University under the supervision of NUCA’s Trenchless Technology Committee. Benjamin Media Inc. of Brecksville, Ohio, and its staff assisted in the composition and production of the manual.

The manual is available exclusively from NUCA. It can be ordered online via www.nuca.com/trenchlessmanual for $99.95 USD, plus shipping.

Founded in 1964, NUCA represents more than 1,800 U.S. utility and excavation contractors, manufacturers and suppliers that provide the materials and workforce to build and maintain our nation’s intricate network of water, sewer, gas, telecommunications and electric infrastructure.

Tags: Best Practices, NUCA, publications, Trenchless Technology