Direct Pipe

Q: What is the Direct Pipe method and how does it differ from other pipe installation techniques?

Direct Pipe is a trenchless method that integrates excavation and pushing of the product pipe in a single continuous operation, combining concepts of microtunneling and HDD. Compared to phased methods (drill and then install), it reduces interfaces and can simplify execution at demanding crossings, depending on geotechnical, length, diameter and environmental constraints.

Q: On what kind of soils can Direct Pipe be used?

It can be applied in a wide range of soils, from soft materials to more competent conditions, provided that the cutterhead/tool selection and control strategy (pressures, slurries, logistics) are compatible with the geotechnical and water table of the crossing.

Q: What advantages does Direct Pipe offer compared to other pipe installation methods?

Among its usual advantages are the execution in a single phase (excavation + installation), high precision, less superficial affection in sensitive crossings and good adaptation to watertightness requirements. The real benefit depends on the combination of DN-L, geotechnics, access and implementation.

Q: What are the space requirements for implementing Direct Pipe?

It usually requires a staging/rigging area for the product pipeline (e.g., welding or section preparation) and a location for equipment and logistics. In urban environments this may be the main constraint and should be verified in the design and permitting phase.

Q: What types of pipes can be installed with the Direct Pipe method?

It is common in steel or other “product” pipes designed for thrust and trenchless installation, used in pressurized pipelines (water, gas or other services), defining the design according to thrust stresses, joints/coatings and customer requirements.

Q: What environmental considerations should be taken into account when using Direct Pipe?

By minimizing open pit excavation, surface disturbance and sensitive habitats at crossings under rivers or protected areas can be reduced. Sludge/returns management, environmental protection and compliance with project environmental permits should be planned.

Direct Pipe: The fast and efficient solution for pipe installation

The method Direct Pipe combines the best features of the microtunneling machine and horizontal directional drilling, enabling installation of trenchless pipelines in a single continuous operation.

Thanks to its simultaneous pushing and digging, The installation of a new pipeline, avoids the construction of an attack or reception trench, and allows the installation of long spans with high precision, safety and less environmental impact.

This technique is used in critical works such as submarine emissaries o crossings of marine protected areas, where other technologies cannot operate efficiently.

Learn more about this innovative technique in the official website of Herrenknecht AG - leading developer of Direct Pipe® technology.

Space requirements for the use of Direct Pipe

Although the Direct Pipe® method considerably reduces the space required above ground, it is important to plan the work area, the positioning of the launcher and the reception area of the pipeline.

Thanks to its compact design, it allows the installation of long pipes in sensitive terrains, port areas or protected areas. In EUROHINCA we apply it especially in:

Seawater harvesting systems for desalination
Gas pipeline tunnels
Crossing works in complex coastal environments

Its operational efficiency makes it an increasingly demanded solution for projects with environmental or urban restrictions.

Direct Pipe® Service Specifications

The Direct Pipe® method combines a closed-face microtunneling machine with a continuous pusher system that installs definitive steel pipe in a single process. This service is defined by the following technical parameters and application conditions:

• Main applications: Subway crossings under rivers, roads, railway lines, sensitive environmental zones and areas where trenching or HDD is not feasible due to terrain, pressure or routing constraints.

• Diameter and installation piping: Uses custom welded steel, The final diameter depends on the project, layout conditions and hydraulic or structural requirements. The final diameter depends on the project, layout conditions and hydraulic or structural requirements.

• Typical crossing lengths: Lengths of several tens to several hundred meters, conditioned by geotechnics, alignment, pipe weight and capacity of the thrust system.

• Compatible land conditions: Cohesive and mixed soils, as well as saturated or high water table soils. The use of pressurized heads allows maintaining face stability in complex environments where HDD may be less suitable.

• Construction method: Excavation by means of a closed face tunnel boring machine, guided from an attack shaft, while the steel pipe advances solidly thanks to continuous thrust. The process does not require intermediate stations and reduces the number of phases compared to conventional microtunnels.

• Civil works requirements: Attack shaft with sufficient space to house the tunnel boring machine, the thrust system and the prefabricated pipe line; in addition to accesses, slurry plant, pumps and maneuvering areas for welding and handling of the pipeline.

• Thrust and alignment control: Monitoring of the thrust forces transmitted to the pipeline, control of the chamber pressure, real-time guidance and verification of the alignment according to the tolerances defined for the project.

• Fluids and management of excavated material: Use of bentonite or polymer slurry to stabilize the face, transport debris and maintain tunnel integrity. The return circuit is managed by sludge plant and separation systems.

• Quality control and safety: Continuous recording of excavation parameters, monitoring of pipe behavior during thrust, final structural verification and compliance with safety protocols in wells and welding zones.

Customer feedback

Institutional clients, engineering firms and contractors value the accuracy and speed of our Direct Pipe executions in all types of geological conditions.

International Experience

Projects around the world

EUROHINCA has applied reinforced concrete pipe jacking technology with a closed shield TBM in projects in the Americas, Europe and Africa, including critical installations in coastal areas and high water table environments. Consult our projects and works executed.

Direct Pipe: fast response

What is Direct Pipe

Direct Pipe is a trenchless method that combines a tunnel boring machine with the push of the pipe, to execute a subway section with control of the route and with the pipe installed during the advance. In application contexts, it can be related to infrastructure crossings and, as the case may be, with submerged applications.

When to use

It is used when the project requires a subway crossing with environmental restrictions and owner/operator constraints (e.g. limited occupancy, interference or permitting requirements), and a trenchless solution appropriate to the project layout and context is sought.

Minimum information for a first review

Approximate location and purpose of the section (what is to be installed or connected).
Sketch or plan with preliminary layout and start/end points.
Known restrictions: access, occupancy, opening hours and existing services.
Available land information (if any) and owner/operator requirements (if applicable).

What you get after an initial review

Identification of main conditioning factors.
Short list of missing information (if any) and recommended next steps.

If you want to move forward with a query, you can do so from Contact.

Request for information

Do you have a complicated layout or sensitive area?

Write us and we will analyze if pipe ramming is the most suitable solution for your project.

What techniques are used in trenchless tunnel construction?

The Direct Pipe technique is positioned as a cutting-edge solution compared to others such as microtunneling or HDD, especially on sites where precision, time and accessibility are limited.

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Frequently asked questions about direct pipe

Do you have more questions? Visit our full section of frequent questions to learn more about our services and technologies.

What is the Direct Pipe method and how does it differ from other pipe installation techniques?

The method Direct Pipe is an innovative technique that combines the advantages of microtunneling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Unlike other methods, Direct Pipe allows excavation and pipe installation to be performed simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional tunnel extensions and a reaction wall attack shaft. This makes it faster, more versatile and efficient, adapting to a wide range of ground conditions.

On what kind of soils can Direct Pipe be used?

Direct Pipe is applicable to almost any ground condition, from soft to rocky soils. Its versatility allows this method to be used in a variety of projects, including crossings under rivers, highways, and in densely populated urban areas. The method's ability to adapt to different soil types without losing efficiency is one of its main advantages.

What advantages does Direct Pipe offer compared to other pipe installation methods?

Direct Pipe offers several key advantages over other methods. By performing excavation and pipe installation simultaneously, project time is significantly reduced. In addition, it does not require tunnel enlargement or a reaction wall attack shaft, which simplifies logistics and reduces costs. It is also less invasive, minimizing environmental impact and disturbance in sensitive or urban areas.

What are the space requirements for implementing Direct Pipe?

One of the main requirements for implementing the Direct Pipe method is the need for a substantial ramp surface. This is because the process requires a long and stable working platform where the metallic pipe can be welded prior to installation. This spatial requirement can be a challenge in environments with limited space, such as urban areas, but is still feasible in projects with sufficient space available.

What types of pipes can be installed with the Direct Pipe method?

Direct Pipe is particularly suitable for the installation of large diameter pipes, usually metallic, which require a high degree of precision and control during installation. This method is ideal for pipelines used in the infrastructure for transporting water, gas, oil and other fluids through difficult terrain or environmentally sensitive areas.

What environmental considerations should be taken into account when using Direct Pipe?

The Direct Pipe method is less invasive than other traditional pipe installation methods, making it more environmentally friendly. By minimizing the need for open-cut excavation, the impact on the surface and surrounding vegetation is significantly reduced. In addition, its ability to work in difficult soils without significantly altering the environment makes it an ideal choice for projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

Solve your doubts in our section of frequent questions.