Microtunnelling (jacking) pipes are high-strength precast reinforced concrete pipe elements used in trenchless infrastructure works, in microtunnelling and pipe jacking systems. This product group covers pipe solutions suited to heavy working conditions, produced with moulds, concrete, dimensional accuracy and curing conditions controlled in the factory environment.
In microtunnelling applications, the pipe body is subjected not only to ground and fill loads but also to the high axial forces generated during jacking. For this reason, the pipes are designed with a reinforcement layout suited to jacking forces, details that accommodate load transfer at the joint zone, and production tolerances that support continuity of installation. Successive pipes are pushed along the line by hydraulic jacks in the shaft, providing a safe underground crossing on routes where open-cut excavation is not preferred.
This product group is used for applications that reduce the need for open-cut excavation along the route. The pipe body and joints are designed taking into account jacking forces and production tolerances in addition to ground loads. Steering and control of advance are achieved through the installation equipment together with the site operations.
With this product group, BİR BE SAN offers high-strength, long-lasting pipe solutions for microtunnelling and pipe jacking projects, designed according to ground loads and jacking forces.
Typical Areas of Use
- Crossings beneath highways and railways
- Lines beneath busy urban arterial roads
- Infrastructure crossings beneath river and stream beds
- Sea outfall lines beneath coastal structures and the shoreline
- Industrial zones, and energy and infrastructure corridors
Key Advantages
- Trenchless installation option: Instead of extensive excavation along the line route, the work is carried out from shafts with a limited working area.
- Low impact on surface works: Reduces the need for intervention on road surfacing, landscaping and existing structures; supports continuity in urban applications.
- Crossings compatible with existing infrastructure: Provides a controlled crossing solution in areas of dense infrastructure.
- Design suited to jacking forces: The pipe body and joint zone are designed to support the safe transfer of the axial forces generated during jacking.
- Method selection: The choice between open-cut excavation and microtunnelling is made by considering ground, groundwater and shaft conditions together.
- Stable advance along the alignment: Production tolerances and jointing details are arranged to support the continuity of the pipeline and a proper installation fit during jacking.
- Adaptation to ground conditions: Taking the project's ground data into account, the cross-sectional behaviour of the pipe and its reinforcement layout are determined accordingly.
- Time and site organisation advantage: Reduces excavation, haulage, backfilling and resurfacing along the route; lowers site traffic and programme risks.
- Reducing environmental impacts: By limiting open-cut excavation along the route, it can reduce dust, haulage traffic and surface disturbance.
- Factory-controlled production: With dimensional consistency and repeatable quality, the aim is smooth progress during installation.