Details:

Creators:
Burden, Lindsay Ivey ; Hoppe, Edward J.
Burden, Lindsay Ivey ; Hoppe, Edward J. Less -
Corporate Creators:
Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research
Corporate Contributors:
Virginia. Dept. of Transportation
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Construction Safety Excavation Highway Safety Literature Reviews Recommendations Specifications State Departments Of Transportation State Of The Practice Trenchless Technology
Publication/ Report Number:
VCTIR 15-R16
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Virginia
Corporate Publisher:
Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the current state of the practice of state highway agencies regarding methods

and specifications for using trenchless technologies. From the perspective of the Virginia Department of Transportation

(VDOT), the paramount concern associated with trenchless construction is the safety of the traveling public. Since such

construction typically takes place without the re-routing of traffic, any sudden and substantial surface displacement of the

overlying roadway has the potential for catastrophic consequences. Surface monitoring during and after construction is a critical

activity to ensure successful installation.

The study focused on the most commonly used trenchless methods for new construction, including the selection of the

most appropriate trenchless technology for specific applications, the identification of minimum geotechnical investigation

requirements, design considerations, construction monitoring, costs, and performance. The study did not address all potentially

available methods of utility construction and rehabilitation.

To achieve the study objective, two tasks were performed: (1) the literature on the current state of the practice with

respect to the use of trenchless technology in other states was reviewed, and (2) identified specifications and design guidelines of

various state transportation agencies were analyzed and examined for potential applicability to trenchless construction activities

administered by VDOT.

The study concluded that trenchless technologies have been widely adopted but design guidelines and construction

specifications vary significantly. Accurate subsurface characterization is critical to the selection of the most appropriate

technology for a specific project. Obstructions pose a significant risk for all types of trenchless work. In general, the risk of

using the directional drilling method increases with pipe diameter. The opposite is usually the case for microtunneling.

Unguided trenchless methods are suitable only for short drives. Monitoring of trenchless construction is usually limited to

observations of installation procedures and surface monitoring. For the most part, a high level of expertise is required for

operators of trenchless equipment.

The study recommends that VDOT’s Materials Division, Location and Design Division, and Construction Division

jointly develop and approve the criteria for selection of trenchless technologies. Specific technical recommendations for

inclusion in VDOT special provisions and the VDOT Materials Division Manual of Instructions are enumerated.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
101900
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:a4e0be78c788b8c5f9dd5283ff53f830ea06e81221581c9487a7f67ac8ff0119
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/28963/dot_28963_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• No Additional Files

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