The use of trenchless technologies for transmission and distribution projects

Trenchless technology (TT) includes the installation, renovation, or rehabilitation of underground utility systems without open-cut excavation. In the past, trenchless methods were commonly used for crossing an obstacle such as a road, railway, or river. Today, trenchless methods have become a preferred method for conduit installations in metropolitan regions throughout the USA where there is a need to reduce trenching restoration costs and disruption to the community and environment. As the utility infrastructure ages, there is a growing demand for nondisruptive installation and rehabilitation methods. This paper describes the evolution in guided boring systems as they apply to applications within the electric power industry. Particular emphasis is placed upon the use of guided boring for the installation of distribution duct banks and underground transmission lines, especially in urban environments