TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 1 OF 9

18/08/2007

An Introduction prepared

BY

Thrustboring Construction Company

(TCC Ltd.)

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. p.0. BOX 31803,AL-KHOBAR -31952KSA

H
'fONE + 9663 868 2196 FAX + 9663 8682096 E-MAIL [email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 2 OF 9
18/OBlZiI07

c Keywords.

c Trenchless versus Open Cut.

Development of Trenchless Techniques

Pipe Jacking.

Auger Boring.

Micro Tunneling.

Horizontal Directional Drilling.

Conclusion.

Open Cut is the method by which access is gained by excavation from the ground level to
the required underground level for installation, maintenance, or inspection of pipes,
conduits, cables, etc.

Trenchless technology is the technique developed for the installation, replacement,

renovation, etc. of the underground lines with a minimum excavation from the ground
surface.

m Manentry is the term applied for any trenchless technique, which requires an operative to
enter a pipe, duct or bore. The minimum size for which this is permissible is generally
defined by national health and safety legislation (>go0 mm in the UK).

Man Accessible is a pipe or duct, which can be physi~all~entered by man irrespective of

legality. If this diameter is below Man-Entry, the regulations may define limitations such as
minimum distance from the safe access point and the maximum time for which continuous
access is permitted.

m LaunchinglDrivelEnt~hnrstPit is the excavation from which trenchless technology

equipment is started. This pit generally incorporates a thrust wall to spread reaction loads
to he ground.

m ReceptionlExitlRecovery Pit is the excavation into which the trenchless technology

equipment is driven and recovered following the installation of the product pipe.

Basic problem with traditional trench construction work for utilities is that only a relatively small
Proportion of the cross sectional area of the trench is occupied by the utility pipe or cable. On
the other hand, trenchless technique methods employ minimum excavation approach. This
means less removal of soil, minimum replacement of bacMill and shorter time for the work.
'I

THRUSTBORINGCONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY LTD. p.0. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR -31952KSA

PHONE + 966 3 868 2100 FAX + 966 3 868 2096 E-MAILthrustboringaal-tamimi.am
 TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 3 OF 9

I 18/08/2007

Therefore, trenchless technology methods, in general, provide safer job sites to the public,
more environmentally friendly and these projects are much economical in difficutt soil
conditions and in urban areas. The following picture shows the general discomfort caused by
an open cut in a populated area.

Some advantages of trenchless construction techniques compared with traditional open cut
approach:-

Less disruption and diversion to traffic.

m Safer approach to existing utilities.

m More environmentallyfriendly.

m Less damage to natural reserves.

m Better living standards and safety for the public.

Shorter construction periods.

Financial advantages in urban areas.

Minimum indired cost.

Japan is the birthplace of Microtunnelling branch of trenchless technology. Unlikeihe most

North America and Europe cities, where sewerage lines have been built since 19 century,
there were no lines in densely populated Japanese cities. In early 1970s, Japanese
government decided to invest in sewerage projects. Traditional open cut technique was Very
expensive, if not impossible, in the narrow streets of Osaka and Tokyo. With the
encouragement of Japanese Government, a new industry based on pipe jacking technique has
emerged and later spread all over the world.

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. P.O. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA
PHONE+96638682100 FAX+9@38682096 [email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 4 OF 9
1wwm7

In N. America, the impetus was quite different from that in Japan. The need for long pipelines,
crossing environmentally sensitive tenitories, encouraged the use of Horizontal Directional
Drilling (HDD). The need was initially to drill a pilot hole under obstacles and then to enlarge it
to a size allowing product pipe installation. Steerable HDD rigs enabled contractors to drive a
hole from surface to surface under obstacles with a minimum damage to the environment. This
technology has also reduced the pipe installation times and expenditures compared to
traditional open cut.

The aim of any trenchless technique is to build a line in ground with a minimum excavation
on surface. The most popular techniques implemented in pipelining and utility construction
industries are as follows:-

Pipejacking

Augerboring

Microtunnelling

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Pipejacking is a technique for installing a pipeline through a horizontal bore, created by

operators working in a jacking shield and hydraulically jacked from a drive pit. Pipejacking is a
man entrv technique and pipes are typically of 0900 mm in diameter or more.

The jacking shield consists of steel cylinder from which operator's carry out excavation by hand
held tools. Spoil is hauled to surface by means of trolley or suction systems. When enough
excavation is done in front of the tunnel, pipes are pushed forward by hydraulic jacks, which
are located in the thrusting pit. When all length of a pipe segment is entered in to the ground,
jacking cylinders are retreated and a new pipe segment is added to the string at the drive shaft.

Being the simplest technique, pipejacking is only applicable in stable ground without saturated
soils. The drives are limited in length and steering is done manually.

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. p.0. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA
F'HONE + 966 3 868 2100 FAX + 9663 868 2096 E-MAIL [email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 5 OF 9
181WMO7

Advantages Minimal Surface interference. Therefore, noise level and traffic

disruptions are minimized.
Limitations Drive and reception shafts are required. Length depends on soil type.
Nor applicable below water table. Small diameter pipes can not be
installed. Steering
- is manual.

40-60 metres
Data Diameters 0900 mm (036")and above
L
Materials RCP, Steel and Vitrified Clay

Augerboring is a non man-enfq technique and consists of a cutting head attached to a helical
auger. The rotation of auger flights simultaneously rotates cutting head and removes spoil from
the tunnel. As the cutting head advances, pipes are driven into ground by means of surface
jacks. Augerboring systems are non-steerable so the line and level of boring are set at the
drive pit by guidance rails. Any deflection of the tunnel axis from planned alignment is usually
not correctable. Augerboring technique is most suitable for short crossing with cohesive soil.

Auger Flights.
. ..
. . ... ..
Cutting Head Casing P i p .. .
.. ..
.. ..

Although it is still used in some places because of low investment cost, augerboring technique
has some disadvantages. It can not be applied in saturated soils because of ground collapse
risk. In addition to that, this technique may over excavate the annular space that may settle
with time and damage the nearby structures and installation itself. The following table shows
an overview of augerboring technique.

Advantages No disruption to traffic. Low noise level. Applicable only above water
table. Good performance in cohesive soils. Non man-entry pipes can
be installed.
Limitations Drive and reception shafts are required. Large boulders are problem.
Can not'be steered. Risk of ground settlement.
Technical Lengths Up to 50 metres
Data Diameters 0300 to 0 1500 mm
Materials Steel Pipes only

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. p.0. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA
PHONE + 966 3 868 21 00 FAX + 9663 868 2 ~ 9 6 E-MAIL thrustboringaal-tamimi.com
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 6 OF 9
18/08/2307

Microtunnelling is an advanced pipejacking technique for installing non man-entrv pipelines

using a steerable and remotely controlled cutting head.

A hydraulically driven tunneling head is rotated by hydraulic motors and thrust against ground
by means of surface jacks. Excavated material is transported from tunnel face into settlement
tank as slurry, where it is re-circulated afier solids are removed. Steering of cutting head is
done by means of remotely controlled articulated joints and using laser guidance control
system monitors the accuracy of the bore.

Advantages Minimal damage on surface & environment. Noise level & traffic
disruption is minimal. Applicable below water table. Non man-entry
pipes can be installed. Steerable, therefore accurate installation of the
product pipes.
Limitations Drive arld reception shafts are required. Capital investment is high
g
Technical Lengths Up to 300 metres.
Data Diameters 0300 to 02000 mm
0 Materials

Horizontal Directional Drilling is used to install flexible pipes with minimum damage at the
surface. This technique was adopted from oil & gas well drilling industry to install pipelines
under major obstacles like rivers, estuaries, main highways, etc. Most commonly used pipe
materials are Carbon Steel and High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE).

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. P.O. BOX 31803,AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA

PHONE + 966 3 868 2100 FAX + 966 3 868 2096 E-MAIL thrustbon'[email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 7 OF 9
18108IM07

The following figure explains fundamental stages of HDD technique. Sequence of diagrams
shows (1) Pilot hole drilling, (2) Back reaming and (3) Pipe pulling stages. First, a pilot hole is
drilled with pre-established geometrical specifications under the obstacle by means of a
steerable drilling head. Then, this head is changed with a reaming assembly and pulled back to
enlarge the diameter of hole. When the bore is enlarged to a suitable size, product pipe is
installed by pulling from exit to entry side.

As can be deducted from this figure, a HDD installation can be constructed with a minimum
damage on the ground and usually the fastest and friendly method in environmentally sensitive
areas.

Pilot hole is enlarged to a

suitable size by means of pulling
& rotating reamers.

I
When hole is enlarged, produd
pipe is attached to drilling rod
and pulled from exit side.

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. P.O. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA
PHONE + 966 3 868 2100 FAX+ 9663 2096 [email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 8 OF 9
18/08/2007

Advantages The least possible damage on the surface. Ground water level is
insigniticant. Curved, deep and small size installations can be made.
Very- quick
. process and therefore most econornical and
( environmentally friendly.
Limitations 1 Skilled operators are required. Only flexible pipes can be installed:
I 1 underground strikes are possible therefore utility mapping is 1
necessary.
Technical Lengths Up to 1500 metres.
Data Diameters 050 to 0750 mm
Materials Steel or HDPE

Although trenchless applications are relatively new techniques, today there are too many
variations of them. The previous sections briefly introduced the main characteristics of some
commonly used techniques. It must be dear that today there is many hybridtypes of trenchless
applications in the market with varying success rates.

The following table compares some of the features of various trenchless techniques. Each
technique has its own weak and strong points. Before deciding for a trenchless application,
pipe characteristics and soil particulars have to be analyzed thoroughly. Then, the best method
for a trenchless installation can be judged.

Trenchless techniques are the safest and most environmentally friendly methods compared
to traditional open cut approach. Besides that, these techniques are the only cost effective
solutions when applied in densely populated u&an areas, under roads wifh heavy M c ,
around sensitive areas like hospitals, fire sfafiom, airports, etc. It is important to consider
the friendliness to environmental systems brought up by any trenchless technique.
However, the indirect cost of a trenching to public should also be considered in making
econornical decisions.

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. P.O. BOX 31803, AL-MOBAR 31952 KSA
PHONE+966386821M3 FAX+96638682@36 E-MA1L [email protected]
TRENCHLESS TECHNIQUES PAGE 9 OF 9
18J081M07

Contrary to common beliefs, trenchless techniques are not the last option selections. In fad,
in many circumstances application of this technology provides safer, quicker and more
economical alternatives. This technology is developed to install suburt8ce utilities by
working on ground surface with minimum interference on the surface in order to provide a
safer working environment.

All trenchless techniques are based on the minimum excavation principle. This principle
implies minimum amount of spoil & backtill material, almost no reinstatement efforts, shortest
installation times, most friendly approach to nearby structures and less impad on society &
environment. Therefore, preference has to be given to the trenchless technology
applications, whenever economical terms justify it.

THRUSTBORING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. P.O. BOX 31803, AL-KHOBAR 31952 KSA
PHONE + 966 3 868 2100 FAX + 966 3 868 2096 EMI L thntstbon'[email protected]
 Sheet Piligag Set-up

Well Point Dewatering Set-up

Thrustboring Construction Company Ltd.

117.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS
Client / Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Al-Hassa Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 1 1, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 57.5 m (2 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 90.012.00

118.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client / Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Qatif Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE-100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 38.1 m (6 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 99,060.00

119.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client 1 Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Qatif Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 1 1, PE-100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 58 m (2 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 99,480.00

120.) Name of Project: QSTP to Khurais Seawater Supply Pipelines

& Ghawar Seawater Pipelines Capacity Increase
Requisition No. 3000118974 & 3000118976
Client / Owner SAUDI ARAMCO
Main Contractor : Saudi Arabian Saipem Ltd.
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 042", 056", 060", 064" & 068"
Total Length 730 m (12 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 4,000,000.00

121.) Name of Project: Contract No. 6600014789 - HNRP Upstream

& Downstream Gas Pipelines - Hawiyah
Client / Owner SAUDI ARAMCO
Main Contractor : Suedrohrbau Saudi Arabia Ltd.
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 048"
Total Length 1 10 m (2 Crossings, 55m each)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 543,000.00

122.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS @ King Saud Street

Client / Owner Ministry of Water & Electricity, Dammam Branch
Main Contractor : Mohammed Al-Ojaimi Contracting Est.
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling Works (HDD)
Pipe Size LD 200mm HDPE Pipes for Water Pipe Line
Total Length 60m (1 Crossing)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 129,800.00
105.) Name of Project : TB WORKS: SAUDI ARAMCO REQUISITION # 30000096921
KHURSANWAH UPSTREAM PIPELINES
Client 1 Owner : Saudi Aramco
Main Contractor : Anabeeb 1 Techint
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 024" Steel Casing Pipes
Total Length 280m
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 705,000.00

106.) Name of Project : TB WORKS: DAMMAM, KHOBAR, QATIF, SWAT

Client / Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Abdullah Ahmad Dossary
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 01200mm GRP / 056" Steel Casing Pipe, 0800mm GRP / 038"
Steel Casing Pipe
Total Length 360m
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 1,210,875.00

107.) Name of Project TB WORKS FOR WASTE WATER PROJECT FOR PLANS 1/55
DAMMAM
Client / Owner Ministry of Water & Electricity - Dammam
Main Contractor : Saeed R Al-Zahrani Trad. Est. (SRACO)
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 0 SOOmm FRP 1 030" Steel Sleeve Pipe
Total Length 55 Lm
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 223,000.00

108.) Name of Project: HDD WORKS

Client 1 Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Dammam Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE-100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 8 2 . h (6 Crossings)
Year - . 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 215,540.00

109.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client 1 Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Dammam Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 1I, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 8 2 . h (4 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 169,945.00

110.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client 1 Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Khobar Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE-100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 4 8 . h (4 Crossings)
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 100,245.00
 99.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR STORM WATER AND LOWERING OF GROUND
WATER PROJECT @AMMAM & SAIHAT CORNICHE ROAD)
Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Civil Works Company (CWC)
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 0700mm GRP / 048" Steel Pipe & 01200mm 1056" Steel Pipes
I Total Length
Year
Total Est. Contract Value
161.41m
2006
SAR 700,149.75

I 100.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR ROAD CROSSING EXIT - 13, RIYADH
RING ROAD
Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works

I Main Contractor
Method
Pipe Size
: Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Est.
Microtunnelling (MT)
0300mm, 0350 1024" & 0450mm, 0500 1030" Steel Pipes
Total Length 480.49m
I Year
Total Est. Contract Value
2006
SAR 1,468,099.00

101.) Name of Project : TB WORKS EXECUTION OF MAINLINES OF SANITARY

SEWERAGE NETWORK, YANBU
Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Omer Bin Atek Al-Harbi Establishment
Method Microtunnelling & Shaft Construction
Pipe Size 0 1200mm RCJ Pipes & 01400mm GRPJ Pipes
Total Length 5,600111
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 28,256,000.00

102.) Name of Project: TB WORKS IN RIYADH

Client / Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Civil Works Company (CWC)
Method , Pipe Jacking (PJ)
Pipe Size 0600mm I 042" Steel Pipes
Total Length 12m
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 55,000.00

103.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT @ AL-HASA

Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Abdullah Ahmad Al-Dossary
Method Microtunnelling
Pipe Size 0500mm RTR 1 036" Steel Casing Pipes
Total Length 70m
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 257,000.00

104.) Name of Project : TB WORKS: SAUDI ARAMCO REQUISITION # 3000062148

BI-10-01106, JGP I JUBAIL ETHANE PIPELINE
EXPANSION PROJECT, CONTRACT # 6600015029
Client 1 Owner Saudi Aramco
Main Contractor : Contracting and Trading Co. (CAT)
Method Microtunnelling, Pipe Jacking & Pipe Ramming
Pipe Size 038" Steel Casing Pipes, 04"HDPE Pipes
Total Length 1,066m
Year 2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 2,463,200.00
 93.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR SAFCO IV PROJECT
Client / Owner Royal Commission
Main Contractor : No-Dig Conbacting Co. Ltd.
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 030" Steel Pipes
Total Length 30m
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 125,000.00

94.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client I Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Khobar Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 1 1, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 80m (4 Crossings)
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 164.000.00

95.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client I Owner -
Saudi Electric Co. Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Dammam Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 39.4m (4 Crossings)
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 80,770.00

96.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client I Owner Saudi Electric Co. - Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Dammam Branch
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
Total Length 4 1.5m (2 Crossings)
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 64,740.00

97.) Name of Project : HDD WORKS

Client / Owner -
Saudi ElectricTo. Eastern Region
Main Contractor : Saudi Electric Co. - Darnmam Branch
0
i

Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

P
2: Pipe Size DN 200mm, SDR 11, PE- 100 HDPE Pipe
34.5m (8 Crossings)
2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 103,155.00

98.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR INSTALLATION SEWERAGE SUBSIDIARY SIDE

PIPE, AL-HASA
Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Civil Works Company (CWC)
Microtunnelling (MT)
0600mm GRPI 036" Steel Pipes
45m
2006
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 162,625.00
87.) Name of Project : TB WORKS 2.6m SEWAGE LINE - MAKKAH
Client / Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor ' : Bin Jarallah Establishment
Method Pipe-Jacking (PJ)
Pipe Size GRP-Lines 02200mm RCP
Total Length 150m
Year
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 1,562,000.00

88.) Name of Project : TB WORKS 2.6m SEWAGE LINE - MAKKAH

Client / Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Al-Aswad Establishment.
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 0 18OOmm & 01600mm RC. Jacking Pipes
Total Length 336m
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 5,199,625.00

89.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR INST'LN OF WATER MAIN LINE - MAKKAH
Client I Owner Ministry of Water Works
Main Contractor : Al-Angari Projects & Trading Co.
Method Microtunnelling (MT) / Pipe Jacking (PJ)
Pipe Size 02400mm RC Jacking Pipes
Total Length 50m
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 525,000.00

90.) Name of Project : TB WORKS HARADH AREA

Client 1 Owner Saudi Aramco
Main Contractor : Al-Robaya Establishment
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size 016" Steel Pipes
Total Length 12m
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 45,000.00

91.) Name of Project : TB WORKS AT AZIZNA HALF-MOON ROAD (STC)

Client / Owner Saudi Telecommunication Co. & Saudi Electric Company
Main Contractor : Yahia Hamad Al-Naseeb Establishment
Method Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Pipe Size 0110mm HDPE Pipes
Total Length 60m
Year 2005
Total Est. Contract Value SAR 57,000.00

92.) Name of Project : TB WORKS FOR QARN ACAM RO PLANT PROJECT

Client / Owner OMAN OIL COMPANY
Main Contractor : Al-Hasan Engineering Co. S.A.O.G.
Method Microtunnelling (MT)
Pipe Size 030" Steel Pipes
Total Length 20m
Year
Total Est. Contract Value