Trenchless Technology

Trenchless technology is a relatively new term that describes the installation of conduits beneath the ground without open-cutting. The is being used since the mid of the 1980s. However, some of the methods referred to as trenchless methods are not new for a civil engineer. For example, auger and slurry boring have been used since the early 1940s and pipe jacking has been used as early as the 1900s. These methods are referred to as boring techniques or horizontal earth boring techniques. Many new trenchless techniques have been introduced till date. Most of these methods will require excavation for shafts, shaft locations usually can be selected to avoid or minimize disruption to nearby facilities. The maximum use of this technology is coming in crossing across the roads.
It is anticipated that the use of trenchless technology will continue to increase because of its inherent advantages of minimizing disruption to society and reducing environmental impact. Another driving force behind this increase is the benefit of avoiding or minimizing the handling, treatment, disposal of contaminated soil in voluminous amount. In many situations, these techniques have become cost-effective alternatives to traditional open-cutting methods.