Microtunnelling


This technology allows the laying of steel, cement or gres ceramic pipes of a diameter of 250-2,500 mm . the laying is performed by pushing the tubes of lengths varying between 1-3 meters from an entry well on an exit one. The front part of the pipe is made up  of a reamer and by a swivel-headed drill, which disintegrates the material while it advances. The debris is brought to the surface by means of a closed circulation system of water and bentonite constantly moved by large pumps.

The orientation of the drill head is controlled by a laser beam sent by the entry well along the direction of the drilling, which activates a support sensor connected to a cutting head, which operates by means of a system of hydraulic jacks. The technology is mainly used for the laying of water and sewer pipelines , generally of large dimensions, and can be used on all types of ground with good results. The use of this technique can be limited, above all in urban areas, by the necessity to have large areas available for the setting up of work sites as well as economical issues connected to the dimensions of the works to be performed.