No dig trenchless technology has opened up a whole range of new possibilities, without opening up a whole area of ground at the same time. No dig technology refers to a branch of trenchless solutions which can either replace or install pipes and cables, all without having to disturb the ground surface. Over the years there have been many methods employed for replacing old, worn or damaged pipes, and for laying new pipes or cables. But all of these methods have caused one or more very serious problems. No dig trenchless technology has managed to resolve virtually all of these problems, opening up many new opportunities and possibilities where before it might have been dangerous, prohibitively expensive or too disruptive.

Previous methods of laying new pipes or cables have all involved digging a large trench for the complete length of cable or pipe to be laid. Once the new pipe is in place, the trench is filled back in. Such a method of pipe laying has become an assumed standard, despite the myriad inconveniences and problems associated with it. When laying new pipes or cables with any method other than a no dig solution, the majority of the time, effort, work and expense is spent in creating the trench, and then filling it back in. Normally this involves additional contractors, and heavy plant machinery.

Of course for most people this method of laying cables and pipes is more evident in the inconvenience caused to the surrounding area, with sections of road or pavement blocked, traffic diverted or pathways and access routes closed or limited. The all too familiar view of rows of orange cones generally indicates an inconvenience which will be in place for quite some time.

Yet another disadvantage of traditional solutions which do not rely on no dig trenchless technology is the noise and vibration caused by the heavy plant machinery used to dig up the ground. The sharp staccato scream of the pneumatic drill biting away at the concrete, accompanied by the groaning gnawing of the JCBs clawing away the ground beneath all create disruption and disturbance to all those in the neighbouring vicinity. It is certainly easy to see how traditional, accepted trench methods would certainly not be missed by anyone.

For all these reasons, no dig trenchless technology offers very real benefits to the business which requires the pipes or cables to be laid, since this will be cheaper and quicker, and to those who need to use the access routes, roads or pathways nearby, or even those who live or work close by.

Although there have been methods used in the past to help prolong the life of existing pipes using a method call CIPP, which effectively lines the inside of existing pipes with a new plastic based material, this is expensive, time-consuming, and does not always provide a solution that is as long lasting or reliable as simply replacing the entire section of pipe with a new one.

CIPP solutions, whilst avoiding the need for digging a trench, also have the disadvantage that the interior diameter of the pipe will be either the same, or fractionally smaller than before. In many instances where development of surrounding buildings has taken place, it may become necessary to widen the pipe – clearly something impossible through pipe lining.

No dig trenchless technology is capable of replacing existing pipes, even with newer, wider ones, or of laying new pipes or cables where no previous installation existed. This is achieved using either pipe bursting or thrust boring techniques. Pipe bursting no dig solutions work by pulling a specially customised bursting head through an existing pipe. This can be achieved by simply digging a small trench at each end of the section of pipe, and pulling the bursting head horizontally through the length of the existing pipe.

The bursting head bursts apart the existing pipe, drawing the new replacement pipe in behind it. If the new pipe is wider in diameter, then the bursting head will include an additional adaptor which will widen the tunnel, allowing the new pipe to fit perfectly. This is all achieved using hydraulics rather than pneumatics, eliminating virtually all of the noise and vibrations normally associated with pipe laying or pipe replacement.

In cases where no existing pipe or cable exists, thrust boring can be used. This no dig solution requires only a small pit to be dug at each end of the section to be laid. The machinery is lowered into the pit, and then bores through the ground, guided very accurately to within a few millimetres, allowing the new pipe or cable to be positioned with pinpoint accuracy – an important consideration where other pipes, cables or underground obstacles may exist.

These no dig trenchless technology solutions have allowed contractors, businesses and industries to carry out work quicker, more economically, more quietly and with far less disruption and inconvenience than any previous methods. Quiet, convenient installations such as these are no longer merely pipe dreams!

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