The execution of works with trenchless technology in Spain is subject to various technical standards, sectoral regulations and occupational safety measures. Although there is currently no specific unified law for this type of technique, the following do apply very clear regulations that guarantee the correct planning and execution of the work.
📋 What laws affect trenchless technology?
Methods such as microtunnelingthe pipe ramming or the directional drilling must comply with general regulations governing civil works and subway infrastructure networks. Among the main ones, the following stand out:
Technical Building Code (Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE))
UNE-EN Standardsas the UNE-EN 12889 (trenchless systems) and UNE-EN 13566 (pipeline rehabilitation)
Public Sector Contracts Law (LCSP)especially in public tenders
Service regulations water, sewerage, gas, telecommunications and energy
Law 31/1995 of Prevention of Labor Risks and RD 1627/1997regulating safety conditions at construction sites
These standards ensure that trenchless technology projects meet quality, safety, durability and compatibility requirements with other existing networks.
📍 What role do local or regional regulations play?
In addition to state regulations, each autonomous community o city council can establish specific ordinances for subway works, such as the use of urban subsoil, waste management, construction permits or environmental requirements.
In this regard, it is essential to carry out a customized regulatory review before executing any action. In Eurohinca we offer a complete support from the feasibility and design phase of the project.
✅ How do we apply these regulations at Eurohinca?
At Technical Assistance and Engineering we ensure that all our work meets the highest standards. Our technical team manages permits, performs geotechnical studies and coordinates with the administrations.
We also apply this standard in our innovative applications, as shown in:
the section of microtunneling
the work of submarine emissaries
and in the technique of pipe ramming
📘 Recommended technical consultation
For an in-depth analysis of the technical and regulatory basis of the trenchless technologiesI recommend this one master's work of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid:
👉 Trenchless excavation methods (Master's Thesis, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2014).
This thesis addresses in detail:
Techniques such as microtunneling, pipe jacking, pipe jacking, among others.
Applicable UNE-EN standards (procedures, materials, safety)
Case studies and technical criteria adapted to the Spanish context
ES 
EN 
FR 