Cost of Underground Infrastructure Renewal: A Comparison of Open-Cut and Trenchless Methods

Abstract

Renewal of aging underground infrastructure is a major challenge that municipalities in North America face every day. Traditional replacement of these underground utilities uses open-cut excavation methods that can be expensive, particularly in built-up areas. In contrast, trenchless technologies use new methods, materials, and equipment that require a minimum of excavation. These new methods are considered much more cost-effective. However, in order to compare methods, engineers and project owners want more data. This article provides a comparison of the estimated costs of the trenchless method known as pipe bursting with the open-cut method for replacing the sewer pipelines in the City of Troy, Michigan. The research found that the pipe-bursting method was much less expensive than the open-cut method. We conclude that using trenchless methods, such as pipe bursting, could save municipalities millions of dollars in the renewal of their of underground utilities systems.