Trenchless Engineering

For over 20 years, CCI has been a leader in Trenchless Engineering—one of the very first core services we offered.

For over 20 years, CCI has been a leader in Trenchless Engineering—one of the very first core services we offered. We began by supporting the North American oil and gas and municipal infrastructure sectors, specializing in the design, construction oversight, and maintenance of trenchless crossings, the highest-risk components of mainline construction. Since then, we’ve expanded our capabilities and global reach, delivering innovative and alternative trenchless solutions across a wide range of industries and geographies, now including fiber optic and electric power cable installations within North America, Central America, South America, Africa, and the Pacific. With more than 12,000 trenchless projects completed, many involving the highest-risk components of mainline construction, we thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering results.

Trenchless construction/technology is a type of subsurface construction work, frequently conducted in coordination with other disciplines such as geotechnical engineering. Often used in the installation or rehabilitation of underground infrastructure that results in minimal disruption to above ground activities and facilities. 

Trenchless Engineering Services include Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Pullhead & LiftPlanEngineering DirectPipeEngineering TunnellingEngineering Auger/SlipBoreEngineering Contracting CrossFeasibilityAssessments ClaimSupport Execution Planning Route evaluation and selection Estimate and schedule preparation Assessment of constructability of crossings and pipeline routes Evaluation of construction feasibility Trenchless method analysis and comparison Risk analysis and mitigation cost assessment Contingency and mitigation planning Conceptual and preliminary planning Regulatory application Front End Engineering Design (FEED) Stress analysis, annular pressure modeling and geometric design Engineering Design Specifications (EDS) Preparation of detailed drawings and specifications Contract preparation, tender assistance and tender management Construction planning and cost control Construction readiness planning Construction engineering assessments

Boring Methods

There are numerous construction solutions which fall under the trenchless boring methods umbrella. In general, these are techniques used to bore from a starting excavation or shaft to a reception excavation or shaft utilizing various cutting heads. Spoils may be continuously or periodically transferred from the face to the drive location utilizing auger flighting. These methods are generally used to install steel casing in relatively and stable soils. The bore may be completed utilizing a boring machine or pneumatic/hydraulically powered hammers. In general, the cutter head and casing is advanced in segments until reaching the reception shaft. Some boring methods also utilize pilot tubes or other multistage methods to allow for more accurate installations and improved steering capabilities.