The development, and widespread availability of trenchless technologies has transformed the installation, repair and rehabilitation of underground services. Trenchless technology allows projects to progress that could not be undertaken using traditional open-cut approaches while also offering cost savings, increased safety and significant reduction in disruption to residents, commerce and traffic.
The technology ranges from the installation of small diameter fibre optic cables to road and rail tunnels and everything between. There is a huge range of technologies available and each provides specific benefits and solutions that will determine suitability for a particular project. There may also be circumstances where the use of an open-cut approach is more appropriate and/or more cost-effective.
The choice of the preferred approach will depend on what is to achieved (or avoided), the environment that the works will be undertaken in, how risk is to be managed, the available budget and the experience of the asset owners and their advisors, contractors and suppliers. There is no substitute for getting good advice as early as possible in the project timeline.
