In which projects is microtunneling used and what are its main applications?

The microtunneling is used whenever pipes or pipelines have to be installed without extensive trenching, especially in urban areas, at conflicting crossroads or in environmentally sensitive environments. Its most common uses are:

Terrestrial / subway applications

• Sewage and urban sanitation systems

• Potable water supply and storm drainage systems

• Road, railroad and other infrastructure crossings without interrupting traffic

• Sub-fluvial crossings (rivers, canals, watercourses)

• Tunnels for gas pipelines, oil pipelines and other energy services

• Pipelines for desalination plants and fish farms

• Drainage works to control floods or prevent flooding.

Submerged applications

• Submarine outfalls (outfalls) of wastewater treatment or desalination plants

• Seawater catchments for desalination or refrigeration systems

• Dam drainage

• Crossings in marine protected areas where open pit excavation is not possible.

Thanks to remote-controlled excavation and simultaneous pipe laying, microtunneling reduces lead times, improves safety and minimizes environmental impact and inconvenience to the population, even in geotechnically complex terrain.