{"id":4954,"date":"2025-12-10T09:42:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T09:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eurohinca.com\/?p=4954"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:48:07","slug":"what-impact-do-trenchless-technologies-have-on-capex-and-opex-versus-open-pit-excavation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eurohinca.com\/en\/que-impacto-tienen-las-tecnologias-sin-zanja-en-el-capex-y-el-opex-frente-a-la-excavacion-a-cielo-abierto\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the impact of trenchless technologies on CAPEX and OPEX versus open pit excavation?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Trenchless technologies<\/strong> -microtunneling, HDD, Direct Pipe and closed shield variants - generate a direct impact on the CAPEX (initial investment)<\/strong> and the OPEX (operating cost)<\/strong> as opposed to open pit excavation. Their main advantage is that they allow the installation of pipelines and tunnels. without continuous trenching<\/strong>, reducing earthworks, repositioning and impact on the environment.<\/p>

Eurohinca, with more than 120 km executed since 1996, observes that savings and efficiency come not only from the construction method, but also from how it minimizes risks, deadlines and indirect costs.<\/p>

Impact on CAPEX<\/strong><\/h2>

CAPEX is optimized thanks to:<\/p>

\u25cf Minor surface civil works<\/h3>

Traditional excavation requires removal of pavement, deep trenching, traffic diversion, replacement of existing utilities, backfilling and compaction.
Trenchless technologies limit the performance to two wells and a mechanized subway trace<\/strong>, reducing civil works in urban or industrial environments.<\/p>

An overview of the value of these city solutions is provided at trenchless urban sewer systems<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

\u25cf Reduction of conditions and replacements<\/h3>

It avoids the replacement of complex pavements, urbanization, special pavements or industrial accesses. It also reduces the cost associated with temporary easements and expropriations.<\/p>

\u25cf Increased certainty in difficult terrain<\/h3>

In the presence of rock, high water table, unstable soils or interference, the open trench can become drastically more expensive.
Microtunneling or hydro-shielding allows for control the pressure from the front<\/strong> and stabilize the progress without unexpected cost overruns, as explained in pressure management under high groundwater<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

\u25cf Fewer traffic and service constraints.<\/h3>

Detours, cuttings and special authorizations entail logistical and administrative costs that are almost completely eliminated with trenchless mechanized methods.<\/p>

Impact on OPEX<\/strong><\/h2>

Operational benefits are realized throughout the life of the infrastructure:<\/p>

\u25cf Improved hydraulic performance<\/h3>

The precision of the microtunnel allows for optimal layouts and exact slopes, which reduces load losses, avoids bottlenecks and minimizes energy consumption in pumping.<\/p>

\u25cf Reduced maintenance and fewer incidents<\/h3>

By reducing settlements, infiltrations and ruptures due to poor trench compaction, the need for repairs is reduced.
This is especially relevant in sewerage and drainage networks, as discussed in the guide. how to construct trenchless sewer mains<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

\u25cf Longer useful life of the asset<\/h3>

Pipes installed by microtunneling tend to have less ovalization, better joint control and less mechanical damage, which extends the durability of the system.<\/p>

3. Indirect economic benefits<\/strong><\/h2>

In addition to CAPEX\/OPEX, trenchless technologies provide savings from:<\/p>