Get Pilot Tube Microtunneling Specification Form

Microtunneling can be used for pipes that range from 48″ to 12′ in diameter. The length of the drive is usually from 200 feet to 1000 feet, but longer installations have been done.

The pipes have a working length of 2m or 3m. The maximum distance covered in one single drive by a MTBM varies in the range of 200m to 500m, depending on the diameter of the tunnel and the geological conditions.

Microtunneling is a trenchless construction technique. It's used for constructing small-diameter utility tunnels, which can be 20 to 160 inches in diameter.

Pilot Tube Microtunneling is a trenchless method of sewer construction. It is effective where pinpoint accuracy is needed for the line and the grade of the sewer pipe installation—where several underground utility lines exist in close proximity, for example.

In terms of overall average cost, the most costly method is Microtunneling at $9.52/mm/m, followed by Pipe Jacking at $4.29/mm/m. These two methods are also more expensive than the Open Cut method ($3.85/mm/m). The least costly is Relining at $0.95/mm/m.

Microtunneling is similar to pipe jacking in that it uses a series of pipes to create an underground tunnel; however, the pipes are much smaller in diameter than those used in pipe jacking (typically 4-12 inches).

Minimum depth should be at least 1.5 metres to minimise the risk of ground heave during the pilot installation.

Microtunneling can be used for pipes that range from 48″ to 12′ in diameter. The length of the drive is usually from 200 feet to 1000 feet, but longer installations have been done.