PIPE JACKING

INTRODUCTION
Pipe Jacking is a trenchless technology method for the installation of a
prefabricated pipe through the ground from a drive shaft to a reception
shaft.
It is a technique used for installing pipes under the ground using a tunnel
boring machine and hydraulic jacks located inside a jacking pit.
A shield is inserted into the ground through a drive shaft or reception point
and cuts a bore.
As the shield advances forward, excavating the earth in its path, sections of
pipe are jacked into place directly behind it using powerful hydraulic jacks.
The technique is a widely employed alternative to open-cut excavation and
existed as a means for crossing under roads, railways, rivers, canals,
buildings, airfields and other projects with the goal of minimizing or
attempting to avoid disruption of traffic altogether.
INTRODUCTION
The excavated materials are then transported to the ground surface
through the slurry discharging pipe (for slurry shield), or the screw
conveyor to the jacking shaft by a trolley system (for earth pressure
balance (EPB) shield and hand excavation), and then lifted up to the
ground surface.
When Pipe Jacking is required
Soft Ground. When the ground is too soft to support itself during the
microtunnelling, Pipe Jacking is required e.g. in saturated clay sand.
Pipe Jacking allows tunnelling in these soft grounds.
Large Diameter. Pipe Jacking will often be used in large diameter
microtunnels where the diameter is too great to safely expect the
ground to self support. The Pipe Jacking technique provides required
support.
Third Party Preference. Pipe Jacking might be the preferred
technique by third parties e.g. railway, highway owners.

Pipe jacking is used to install conduits below ground for a variety of
applications including:
sewerage pipelines
stormwater pipelines
road and rail culverts
pressure pipelines
as a sleeve pipe for other utility pipelines (water, sewage, and
electricity and communication cables)
pipe replacement and relining.
ADVANTAGES OF PIPE JACKING
Safety
Pipe jacking is an inherently safer method than open trench
construction or when considering the risks associated with deep,
large section, open excavations:
major reduction in man-hours, opportunities for accidents to
occur are less with pipe jacking. in busy urban centres, trenchless
operation will not interfere with pedestrian and motor traffic
movements. There is significant reduction in the risk of injury as a
result of utility strikes and interface with the public. Less risk of
settlement.

ADVANTAGES
major reduction in man-hours, opportunities for accidents to occur
are less with pipe jacking
in busy urban centers, trenchless operation will not interfere with
pedestrian and motor traffic movements.
There is significant reduction in the risk of injury as a result of utility
strikes and interface with the public
Less risk of settlement.
Less affected by weather condition
Trenchless will not harm existing vegetation.
Noise, dirt and smell are minimised.

DISADVANTAGES
Very costly method.
Skilled personnel is required
PROCEDURE
The thrust pit and the reception pit are excavated at the required places.
Then the thrust wall is set up in the thrust pit according to the
requirement.
In case of mechanized excavations, a very large pit is required.
But in case of manual excavation, a small pit is enough.
Thrust ring is provided to ensure the even distribution of stress along the
circumference of the pipe.

PROCEDURE CONT
The number of jacks vary upon the frictional resistance of the soil, strength of
pipes etc.,
The size of the reception pit is to be big enough to receive the jacking shield.
To maintain the accuracy of alignment a steer able shield is used during the pipe
jacking.
In case of small and short distance excavations, ordinary survey method is
sufficient.
But in case of long excavations, remote sensing and other techniques can be
used.

TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
The pipe jacking process begins first by constructing a drive shaft or pit at the face and a thrust or reception
shaft or pit at the corresponding end of the pipeline. These pits will vary in size based on the excavation method
deployed in the pipe jacking process.

The tunnel or jacking shield is then launched inside the launch shaft. A thrust wall is constructed to provide
force against which to jack pipes into place behind the jacking shield. To ensure the jacking force os distributed
equally through the entire diameter of the jacked pipe, a thrust ring is also used to transfer loads. Jacks are
interconnected hydraulically to ensure that the thrust from each pipe is consistent. The amount of jacks needed
to install the pipes is dependent upon the size and length of the pipe being installed, the strength of the jacking
pipes, and how much frictional resistance is required.

As the pipes are jacked into place, the correct alignment of the pipeline is consistently checked. Accurate pipe
alignment can be checked and carried out with the use of a steerable shield and by placing guide rails inside the
thrust pit upon which the pipes are laid. Traditional surveying equipment is normally use to carry out checks for
shorter pipelines. The shield is then removed from the reception pit once jacking is completed and the pipeline
is installed.

To minimize the likelihood of the occurrence of ground settlement, various ground treatment works can be
employed, including jet grouting, silica/cement grouting, dewatering, and ground freezing.
EXCAVATION METHOD AND MACHINE
TECHNOLOGY
Backhoe Excavator

For competent and stable ground conditions

E.g. clay, dry / stable sands

Suitable above water table / in dry ground

However, can be used in conjunction with

However, can be used in conjunction with
dewatering
Open face cutter booms (road-header)

For strong cohesive soils and weak to
moderately strong rocks

Operated above water table

However, can be used in conjunction
with
dewatering
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) -Open face

For stable face conditions, including competent rock.

Various cutting heads available to suit a broad range
of ground conditions

Suitable above water table / in dry ground

Suitable above water table / in dry ground

Can be used in conjunction with dewatering

Spoil removed via a conveyor belt or auger
Earth Pressure Balance (EPM) TBM
For less competent ground conditions
Can be used in saturated ground
Most suitable for cohesive soils
E.g. clays, silts, etc.
E.g. clays, silts, etc.
Excavation controlled by continuous
flight auger
Additives for face / spoil conditioning
Slurry TBM

For less competent ground conditions

Can be used in saturated ground with high pressure

Most suitable in granular soils

E.g. sands, gravels, cobbles

E.g. sands, gravels, cobbles

Excavation controlled by slurry system