Evaluation of Trenchless Technology Methods for Municipal Infrastructure System

Abstract

The deterioration of municipal underground infrastructure systems and a growing demand for utility services have increased the necessity for more efficient installation, inspection, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of underground utilities. With conventional open-cut construction methods, direct costs are greatly increased by the need to restore ground surfaces such as sidewalks, pavement, landscaping, and brick paving. Furthermore, taking social and environmental factors into account, open-cut methods have adverse impacts on the community, business, and commuters due to undesirable pollution and traffic disruptions. Trenchless technologies that are used to repair, upgrade, replace, or install underground infrastructure systems with minimum surface disruption offer a viable alternative to existing open-cut methods. The objective of this paper is to describe a methodology for quantitatively assessing and comparing direct, social, and environmental costs associated with municipal underground pipeline construction. It is suggested that decision makers consider combining these costs with direct capital costs so that the best alternative is selected, which in certain cases can make trenchless technology the most economical alternative. Moreover, productivity, workers’ safety, and structural issues have shown that trenchless technology is a more efficient method for underground infrastructure systems.