Microtunnel Construction:
Microtunneling utilizes advanced, specialized equipment, including a microtunnel boring machine (MTBM), to construct tunnels. Contrary to its name, microtunneling does not always involve creating small tunnels. Typically used for utility installations rather than transportation, microtunneling diameters commonly range from 24 inches to 90 inches. Pate Garver, LP has a fleet of microtunneling equipment that enables us to perform installations with tunnel drives ranging from 8 inches to 66 inches in nominal diameter.
ASCE 36-01 defines microtunneling as a procedure that includes:
- The use of a machine that is remote controlled; the machine is fully operated with no personnel in the tunnel machine or tunnel.
- A jacking system is used to provide thrust to push the machine through the ground with specially designed jacking pipe.
- The machine provides continuous pressure applied to the face of the tunnel to control and balance existing groundwater and earth pressures.
- The microtunnel system uses a guidance system consisting of a laser or other remote technology to maintain proper alignment during the tunneling procedure.
With the installation of the first microtunnel project in Houston, TX in 1986, Mike Garver established himself as one of the founders of the industry in North America. The Pate Garver team has been continually installing microtunnel pipelines since that first project, with members of our Ownership Team, Senior Management, and MTBM Operator Group, and MTBM support staff being part of that initial project crew.
Click here to see a list of microtunnel projects completed by the Pate Garver team.
Tunneling Construction:
Tunneling in a broader sense involves creating larger underground passages, often for transportation, utilities, or other infrastructure. It encompasses various methods, including:
Drill and Blast: Historically, this method involved drilling holes into rock, filling them with explosives, and blasting the rock to create tunnels. This method is still used in certain geological conditions.
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs): These massive machines are used for large-scale tunnel construction, such as subway systems or extensive utility tunnels. They bore through various soil and rock types and simultaneously line the tunnel walls.
Advantages and Considerations:
Advantages of both microtunneling and tunneling construction include:
Minimized Disruption: Both methods significantly reduce disruption to surface structures, traffic, and the environment compared to traditional open-cut methods.
Precision and Control: The guidance systems in microtunneling and TBMs in tunneling construction ensure accurate alignment and precise tunnel creation.
Challenges include:
Cost: These methods can be more expensive due to specialized equipment, technology, and expertise required.
Geological Challenges: Varying soil and rock conditions can impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these methods.
Applications:
Microtunneling and tunneling construction find applications in various fields:
- Transportation: Creating subway tunnels, underground rail systems, and road tunnels.
- Utility Installation: Installing sewer lines, water mains, and conduits.
- Infrastructure Development: Developing underground passages for various purposes in urban and suburban areas.
Innovations in tunneling technology continue to drive efficiency and sustainability in underground construction. These methods offer practical solutions for the challenges of developing infrastructure without significant disruptions, paving the way for continued urban and industrial development.
