Underground
space is vital for the functioning of our modern society. This is
where the arteries of our cities and communities are located - with
pipelines for utilities and waste disposal, cables and communication
networks, and underground transport routes. And the underground
space has still more potential to offer. Shifting production facilities,
cultural and service centres into the underground space can make
room for an ecologically intact environment at the surface. Constructing
under the surface or subsurface construction is what the Trenchless
Technology Techniques are all about. In order to enhance the quality
of life without spoiling the environment, optimum use of Underground
Spaces is natural and therefore the importance of Trenchless Technology.
Definition wise Trenchless refers to a situation where one is talking
about fewer trenches while executing subsurface works. In other
words one is working below the ground surface without exposing the
complete network. Subsurface construction activities not only cover
new developmental activities but also address the requirements of
subsurface network rehabilitation as well replacements. Any construction
professional engaged in the hands-on works will always need to develop
the basic understanding about what lies beneath and the skills to
develop subsurface solutions in such a way that the new one can
coexist with the existing without destroying them or the environment.
Subsurface Utility Managers (SUM) is one of HRD initiative of Indian
Society for Trenchless Technology. It comprises of five programs
the first module titled Awareness of Subsurface & Trenchless Technology
(SSTT) is aimed at providing brief information of the subject to
the Construction professionals. This module has eleven sections
as dealt in this guideline book. Intent of this guideline is to
provide the user/reader an orientation in Trenchless Technology
sector. Through this guideline it is aimed to present a brief outlook
about importance of the underground space, need and utility of Subsurface
(underground) Construction, Various methods of construction and
their merits and demerits, and finally the different trenchless
techniques. Expected outcome of these guidelines is the development
of a better understanding of underground conditions and respective
family of Trenchless Techniques in the reader / Module participant
so that he is able to identify the appropriate trenchless methods
for a given set of project requirements. For example, if the constructor
is aware of the subsurface conditions and the appropriateness of
various trenchless techniques, he or she can prepare hid work-plan
meeting such site requirements and conditions. The optimization
is best achieved with selection of appropriate equipment and method.
Further many times a minor adjustment makes a specific method appropriate
for the underground conditions that will be encountered in a project.
This module as well as the subsequent stages will provide the insight
to some of these special adjustments, so the utility worker can
maximize the use of specific equipment for a range of project conditions.
Next modules of this group deal with the trenchless techniques related
to Asset Creation, Asset Rehabilitation, & Asset Termination of
subsurface civic infrastructure networks. Further in order to provide
information about methods of subsurface investigations, one module
on Subsurface Utility Engineering is included to complete this program
of SUMs. These guidelines should serve as an aid for the underground
utility owner and / or designer by providing background information
regarding trenchless construction equipment and/or methods and underground
condition compatibility. It is explicitly explained that these modules
are developed and the guidelines are provided in good faith. Users
are advised to exercise utmost care in using these guidelines as
they are meant to provide the introductory information only and
these should not replace the project designs and sound engineering
selection processes.
Dr. Niranjan Swarup
Director General
Indian Society for Trenchless Technology
908, Hemkunt Chambers, 89,
Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019
Underground
space is vital for the functioning of our modern society. This is
where the arteries of our cities and communities are located - with
pipelines for utilities and waste disposal, cables and communication
networks, and underground transport routes. And the underground
space has still more potential to offer. Shifting production facilities,
cultural and service centres into the underground space can make
room for an ecologically intact environment at the surface. Constructing
under the surface or subsurface construction is what the Trenchless
Technology Techniques are all about. In order to enhance the quality
of life without spoiling the environment, optimum use of Underground
Spaces is natural and therefore the importance of Trenchless Technology.
Definition wise Trenchless refers to a situation where one is talking
about fewer trenches while executing subsurface works. In other
words one is working below the ground surface without exposing the
complete network. Subsurface construction activities not only cover
new developmental activities but also address the requirements of
subsurface network rehabilitation as well replacements. Any construction
professional engaged in the hands-on works will always need to develop
the basic understanding about what lies beneath and the skills to
develop subsurface solutions in such a way that the new one can
coexist with the existing without destroying them or the environment.
Subsurface Utility Managers (SUM) is one of HRD initiative of Indian
Society for Trenchless Technology. It comprises of five programs
the first module titled Awareness of Subsurface & Trenchless Technology
(SSTT) is aimed at providing brief information of the subject to
the Construction professionals. This module has eleven sections
as dealt in this guideline book. Intent of this guideline is to
provide the user/reader an orientation in Trenchless Technology
sector. Through this guideline it is aimed to present a brief outlook
about importance of the underground space, need and utility of Subsurface
(underground) Construction, Various methods of construction and
their merits and demerits, and finally the different trenchless
techniques. Expected outcome of these guidelines is the development
of a better understanding of underground conditions and respective
family of Trenchless Techniques in the reader / Module participant
so that he is able to identify the appropriate trenchless methods
for a given set of project requirements. For example, if the constructor
is aware of the subsurface conditions and the appropriateness of
various trenchless techniques, he or she can prepare hid work-plan
meeting such site requirements and conditions. The optimization
is best achieved with selection of appropriate equipment and method.
Further many times a minor adjustment makes a specific method appropriate
for the underground conditions that will be encountered in a project.
This module as well as the subsequent stages will provide the insight
to some of these special adjustments, so the utility worker can
maximize the use of specific equipment for a range of project conditions.
Next modules of this group deal with the trenchless techniques related
to Asset Creation, Asset Rehabilitation, & Asset Termination of
subsurface civic infrastructure networks. Further in order to provide
information about methods of subsurface investigations, one module
on Subsurface Utility Engineering is included to complete this program
of SUMs. These guidelines should serve as an aid for the underground
utility owner and / or designer by providing background information
regarding trenchless construction equipment and/or methods and underground
condition compatibility. It is explicitly explained that these modules
are developed and the guidelines are provided in good faith. Users
are advised to exercise utmost care in using these guidelines as
they are meant to provide the introductory information only and
these should not replace the project designs and sound engineering
selection processes.