The extension of cities to previously uninhabited areas and the development of new commercial and residential projects requires the construction of utility networks. One of the methods for constructing these networks is the pipe jacking method (PJM). This method can be applied to construct tunnels up to 3 meters in diameter on a variety of soils and ground water conditions and can be used to undercrosss civil works and infrastructures including railway, airports, roads, etc.

PJM is a trenchless method used for the construction of drains/sewers by employing special machines which are basically miniature copies of the equipment used by the tunneling industry.

In summary, PJM consists of the following steps:

• constructing a shaft and introducing the equipment;
• performing continuous excavation;
• removing spoils hydraulically or pneumatically;
• installing consecutive pipes by means of long stroke hydraulic cylinders pushing against a thrust wall and distributing the forces on the pipe by means of a thrust ring; special pipe joints are used for connecting the pipes and ensuring a watertight and continuous pipeline;
• removing the equipment from an exit shaft.

Highlights

• The PJM has significant benefits over the open cut method in urban environments including the minimum disruption to traffic, environment and public;
• Design and planning should be made by firms with extensive experience;
• Different types of equipment are available based on project requirements.

Experience

GT GROUND ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES has been involved with the construction of several major pipe jacking tunnels up to 3m in diameter and for a variety of ground and groundwater conditions. The works have been delivered according to the design requirements, on time and within the budget. Based on these experiences we are available to provide you with a technical/economic offer for your project.