THRUST BORING
Thrust boring is a trenchless construction technique used to install underground pipes, cables, or conduits without disrupting the surface above.
The boring method uses the combination of water flush and thrust boring, allowing them to work in almost any kind of soil. The process involves using hydraulic jacks to push a casing or pipe through the soil along a pre-determined path, creating a stable borehole.
This method is ideal for crossing beneath roads, railways, and other existing infrastructure, minimizing surface disturbance and reducing the need for extensive excavation.
Thrust boring is highly efficient, precise, and cost-effective, making it a preferred solution for projects requiring minimal environmental impact and minimal disruption to traffic and nearby structures.
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Is it different from HDD?
Thrust boring is a trenchless method that differs from Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) in its approach to installation. Unlike HDD, which drills from the surface, thrust boring requires the construction of an entry pit and an exit pit.
The boring process begins from within the entry pit, where the equipment pushes the casing or pipe horizontally through the ground toward the exit pit. This method is particularly suitable for shorter distances and when minimal surface disruption is required.
Applications and Benefits
Thrust Boring Applications
- Utility Crossings: Installing water, gas, electrical, or telecom lines beneath roads, railways, and highways.
- Urban Infrastructure Projects: Laying pipelines in densely populated areas with minimal infrasctucture and traffic impacts.
- River or Canal Crossings: Creating subsurface routes below water bodies without disturbing the environment.
- Factory or Building Grounds: Installing conduits beneath existing structures or floors without structural alteration.
Benefits of Thrust Boring
- Minimal Surface Disruption: Ideal for urban environments and operational facilities—no need for open-cut trenches.
- Efficient and Time-Saving: Faster installation time compared to traditional excavation, especially for long crossings.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces dust, noise, and emissions by minimizing earthworks and preserving surface conditions.
- Cost-Effective: Lower restoration costs due to reduced impact on roads, pavements, and landscapes.
- Safe for Existing Infrastructure: Precise control minimizes risk to nearby utilities, foundations, or traffic systems.
- Suitable for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Can be performed from compact launching pits in tight spaces with low clearance.
Our Thrust Boring Technical Specification
Our thrust boring services offer efficient and non-disruptive installation for a wide range of underground utilities. Key capabilities include:
- Thrust capacity up to 125 tons and pullback force up to 95 tons
- Bore length capacity of up to 110 meters
- Supports bore diameters ranging from 98 mm to 1100 mm
- Utilizes a combination of water flush, continuous auger, and/or thrust boring methods
- Drilling rig dimensions are 1530 mm of width and 6175 mm of length. The length can be extended to 6485 mm, allowing the use of longer drilling tools and pipes
- Drilling rig weight is 2957 kg
- In-house control system using LED
- Engineered to perform effectively in almost all soil types
Thrust Boring Control System
Our thrust boring control system combines binoculars technology with LED-based optical-electronic navigation to ensure accurate and efficient drilling. Using an optical target, CCD camera, and TFT monitor, the system provides real-time visual guidance during operations.
The boring unit is aligned to the required direction and tilt before drilling begins, and steering is continuously monitored through optical sights installed in the steering head or starter auger, captured by the camera and displayed live on the monitor. This ensures precise bore control, even in complex underground environments.
Thrust Boring Sequence
These are typical thrust boring sequence. Note that some modifications may be required to suit the existing soil condition.
Pilot Pipe Drilling
A pilot pipe with a cutting bit is jacked and rotated through the soil, guided precisely toward the target shaft. Soil is cut and debris is flushed out with water.
Alignment Check
Once the pilot pipe reaches the target pit, its position is checked to ensure it meets the required alignment tolerances. If necessary, re-drilling may be performed to achieve acceptable accuracy.
Reaming
Drilling can begin from either the launch pit (push-in) or the target pit (pull-in) and continues until the bit reaches the destination.
Cleaning
Once drilling is complete, a mud pass or packer reamer ensures the hole is clean and filled with drilling fluid for smooth pipe pullback.
Product Pipe Installation
The product pipe, pre-positioned on a support table, is connected to the pilot pipe or rope and pulled back to the launch pit using the pull-in method.
Our Projects
Our Equipment
Our in-house developed thrust boring rig is compact, easy to mobilize, and specifically engineered for low-clearance and confined spaces. This hydraulic machine allows precise underground installation of pipes and conduits, even in challenging environments, with minimal surface disruption.
