Direct pipe
installation

background
Home
SERVICES
Direct Pipe® Installation

Direct Pipe® technology is ideal for situations that require speed, accuracy, and minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

This versatile method combines the advantages of microtunneling and HDD technology, installing prefabricated pipelines and excavating boreholes in one pass. It is effective in a variety of ground conditions — even solid rock. Direct Pipe® provides a significantly reduced footprint and a high degree of steering accuracy, accommodating nearby infrastructure and sensitive environmental features.

Our experienced crews are able to complete installations safely and efficiently using our comprehensive fleet of Direct Pipe® equipment.

boot prints icon

Smaller on-site footprint

accuracy icon

High degree of steering accuracy

shovel icon

Suitable for a variety of ground conditions

Featured Technology

During Direct Pipe® installations, soil is excavated using a guided slurry-supported microtunneling boring machine (MTBM). A pipeline is welded to the end of the MTBM, and a pipe thruster is used to push the entire assembly into the borehole. The excavated material is then pumped through a slurry circuit inside the prefabricated pipeline to a separation plant located aboveground.

Capabilities

The Direct Pipe® methodology allows for real-time annular pressure adjustments and features efficient fluid management systems, making it an effective choice for a variety of technical challenges. It can be used in soft ground, heterogeneous ground, and rock.

All project infrastructure is located on one side of the crossing. Launch and reception pits can also be constructed at shallow depths, reducing space requirements even further. It also does not require coupling pipes, drill rods, or back reaming, allowing projects to be completed quickly and with minimal impact.

Direct Pipe®

direct pipe animation

Need to complete an installation in one pass? Direct Pipe® technology can excavate a borehole and install a pipeline in a single step. For projects that are well-suited for Direct Pipe® but require a pipeline with a diameter less than 0.8 m (30 in), we can utilize a two-pass method. In this alternate approach, a larger-diameter “sacrificial pipe” is installed along the borehole path — then, the final pipe is installed during an additional pass. The sacrificial pipe can be removed or left in place, depending on the project owner’s preference.

Max Drilling Length
ruler icon
1,500 m
(4,921 ft)
Pipe Diameter:
diameter icon
0.8 m to 1.5 m
(30 in to 60 in)
the trenchless company logo
workers install a direct pipe in a pit

The Trenchless Company is a recognized leader in Direct Pipe® installations across North America.

Learn more
left arrow

Contact The Crossing Group

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.