mikrotunnelointiin

Mikrotunnelointiin, also known as microtunneling, is a trenchless technology used for installing pipelines underground. It employs an automated, remotely operated tunneling system to bore a path and simultaneously install the pipe. This method is ideal for situations where open-cut trenching is impractical or undesirable due to factors like dense urban environments, environmentally sensitive areas, or the presence of existing infrastructure.

The process begins with the excavation of two shafts: an entry shaft and a receiving shaft. The microtunnel boring machine (MTBM) is launched from the entry shaft. The MTBM is guided remotely from a control room on the surface, using laser guidance systems to ensure accuracy. As the MTBM excavates the soil, it pushes the pipe sections behind it into the newly created tunnel. This simultaneous excavation and pipe jacking is the defining characteristic of microtunneling.

Soil removed by the MTBM is transported back to the entry shaft via slurry pipes or augers, depending on the type of MTBM used. The main advantages of microtunneling include minimal surface disruption, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to install pipes with high precision, even under existing structures or bodies of water. It is commonly used for gravity sewer lines, water mains, and other utilities where accurate gradients are essential. The diameter of pipes that can be installed via microtunneling typically ranges from a few inches up to several feet.