ENGINEER -- Vol.

ENGINEER Vol.XLVIII,
XLVIII,No.
No.02,
02,pp.
pp. [page 2015
[25-33], range], 2015
© The
© The Institution
InstitutionofofEngineers,
Engineers,SriSri Lanka
Lanka

Implications of Micro-Tunnelling on Wastewater

Pipeline Constructions
(A case study from Muscat Wastewater System: Al Khuwair Project)

Kokila Ranasinghe
Abstract: Al Khuwair is a sub city located in Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. It is presently
growing rapidly with illustrious highways, modern housing complexes, commercial centres, hospitals,
schools etc., being built. Even though the local population represents around 60% of the total
population, developing infrastructure is an essential need in order to cater to the needs of both the
local and foreign migrant population and also the tourists. The present trend of development of the
city indicates that Al Khuwair would provide a considerable proportion of the Muscat’s wealth. The
yellow tankers roaming around the city are not uncommon in AlKhuwair even though it might
surprise the visitors at their first glance. They enter every house and restaurant at least once a month
in order to empty the septic tanks of those properties. It is also not uncommon to see overflowing
septic tanks emitting in tolerable odours when tankers fail to arrive promptly to empty the
overflowing septic tanks. The aim of the paper is to present the actual experience from Muscat Waste water
Project that has been implemented in order to overcome the above mentioned most critical issue. It highlights
the problems which surfaced with regard to pipe deviations, deflections and pipe cracking that occurred during
the micro tunnelling of 1000mm diameter polycrete wastewater pipes. The attempts made to provide technical
solutions for the deficiencies and possible alternatives to overcome the defective situations are comprehensively
discussed in the paper.
Keywords: micro-tunnelling, pipe alignment, polycrete pipes, deviation, deflection

1. Introduction applicability of HDD or micro tunneling for

pipeline construction is primarily a function of
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and the required pipe size and material, alignment
micro tunneling are two available "trenchless" tolerances, ground conditions and available
construction methods used to install new staging areas. The selection of an appropriate
pipelines and other facilities. HDD refers to a method depends on the site conditions and
steerable system for the installation of pipes, project priorities.
conduits, and cables in a shallow arc using a
drillrig at ground surface. Micro tunneling is a Trenchless methods can improve worker safety
procedure that uses a remotely-controlled, because the workers do not have to work in
tunnel boring machine with a relatively trenches as they do in the conventional cut-and-
moderate diameter. One major advantage of cover projects. Environmentally sensitive areas
trenchless pipeline construction is the freedom such as wetlands and streams can be bypassed
it provides to follow the most direct route underground with trenchless methods. In areas
between any two points provided the right-of affected by soil or groundwater contamination,
way is available. Open-cut trench construction a low degree of excavation resulting from the
normally has to follow existing pipe utility use of trenchless methods as compared to cut-
easements, roadways or other unobstructed and cover trenching methods, also reduces
surface structures. public and worker exposure to potential
contaminants. In addition, in congested urban
Because HDD and micro tunneling are applied
areas, trenchless construction methods can save
underground, these methods allow flexibility to
time compared to traditional cut-and-cover
go straight between any two points, even when
construction methods, and they can also
this route traverses directly beneath utilities,
structures, or other surface features. Recent Late Eng. Kokila Ranasinghe, C. Eng., MIE(Sri Lanka),
technological advances in HDD and micro Prov. M. Eng. (APEGBC – Canada),M. Eng. , P.G. Dip – IT
tunneling equipment allow longer drives with (Moratuwa), P.G. Dip – App. Sociology (Colombo).
The author was last attached to Engineering Consultants
greater accuracy, resulting in a reduction in (Pvt) Ltd and was the Resident Engineer for Boursure 03
both project costs and completion times. project under Associated Consulting Engineers (Intl.),
Equipment guidance systems that use gyros for Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. He also performed as the
Municipal Water Project Manager, Kerr Wood Leidal
steering can be used for curved drives to tunnel Associates, Burnaby, BC, Canada and was at one time an
between inaccessible obstructions. The Assistant General Manager of the NWSDB, Sri Lanka

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facilitate construction in areas where cut-and- gravitational hydraulic flows of the branch
cover trenching may not be practical. All of sewer network. The micro tunnelling section of
these advantages can combine together to the 1000mm diameter polycrete trunk sewer in
reduce project costs and risks. Al Khuwair had to be laid in a low lying valley
at a depth of 9m to 20m. The top of the ground
2. Micro Tunnelling in Al water table was at a depth of 12m from the
Khuwair identified ground level.

A 1000mm diameter polycrete pipeline had to The design considerations for micro tunnelling
be constructed using micro tunnelling in Al are given below:
Khuwair under the Muscat Wastewater Project.
The Authorities implemented Borsure 03  Geotechnical Investigations: This is
Project component of the Muscat Wastewater required to identify the type/nature of
Project to connect all premises of the sub city of sub soil strata across which the pipes
Al Khuwair to a new sewer network from have to be driven using micro-
which the collected sewage was to be carried tunnelling and to estimate the
through a 1000mm diameter polycrete trunk overburden soil pressure
main to the wastewater treatment plant at  Ground Water Table: This is required
AlAnsab where it was to be treated under to identify, from what depth the
gravitational forces. dewatering has to be introduced.
 Location of the Entry and exit points :
The design of the 1000mm diameter polycrete This is to ensure that adequate
pipe was challenging due to lack of experience provision/space is available to erect
on the behavior of the pipe material and the entry/exist shafts, or construct a pit
with sheet piling to position the micro-
remedies that could be implemented to repair
tunnelling or pipe jacking machine
the pipes in case of a failure during infiltration
facilitating tunnelling or jacking
and exfiltration tests and if cracks appear in
 Clearance from existing utility service
pipes while they are being driven. Even though
providers: This needs to be obtained
polycrete pipes have been used in the
before the design is finalized to ensure
wastewater industry during last 15 years, there
smooth operation. The pipe to be
is not much information available on record to
driven should be kept away from the
indicate its performance during micro
specified distances from the existing
tunneling. The polycrete material is made of
underground utilities or should be
polymer concrete. The advantages of polymer
provided encasements as required.
concrete include its high compressive strength
which allows for a high jacking force and ensures  Assessment on the type of Micro
tunnelling (MT)/Pipe jacking (PJ)
maximum safety, a GRP joint collar for maximum
machines to be used: The capacities of
safety during jacking, a smooth outer pipe surface
the MT and PJ machines are estimated
which reduces friction resulting in lower jacking
based on the sub soil characteristics,
forces, parallel pipe ends providing uniform
diameter of the pipe to be driven and
distribution of jacking forces, highly accurate
the type of pipe to be tunnelled or
dimensions avoiding ovality or tight joints and
jacked.
providing perfect matching, elasticity, reduced
point loading and risk of rupture, low weight which  Pipe material: The type of the pipe to
allows ease of installation, adaptable dimensions be tunnelled is selected based on sub
making it suitable for all micro-tunneling and soil properties, length of drive,
jacking equipment, smooth and even inner surface compressive strength of pipe material,
allowing a high flow rate, high corrosion resistance and tendency to deform.
providing reliability throughout the long service life; Considering the above, concrete shafts were
and the availability of complete systems for jacking introduced in Al Khuwair for pipe entry and
pipes, open cut pipes and manholes. exist. Figure 1 shows how micro tunnelling
machine reaches the exit shaft of the Al
Khuwair 1000mm diameter main trunk sewer.
3. Sewer design considerations for
micro-tunnelling

In a sewer network, it is usual to lay trunk

mains deep in the ground because of the

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 concrete pipes

Minimum vertical 300mm

clearance for utility
crossing

Minimum distance 100m

between shafts for micro
tunnelling / pipe Jacking
Variation from line and +/- 300mm
grade Micro tunnelling /
Pipe jacking ( Entire
alignment at entrance
and exit shafts )
Vertical tolerances +/- 25mm
Figure 1 - Micro tunnelling machine emerging
from the exit shaft ( Micro tunnelling pipe
jacking)
3.1 Hydraulic design criteria:
3.2 Selection of the pipe size and material
According to the standard design manual, for micro tunnelling in Al Khuwair:
tunnelling for wastewater pipes is governed by
the design criteria given in Table 1. Several options were available for Design
Engineers to decide on the pipe diameter and
Table 01 - Design criteria for micro tunnelling the material based on the above mentioned
/ Pipe Jacking design considerations and criteria. There was a
Design Criteria Limits long time period available to complete the
Normal depth of micro 6m to 30m, design and the upsizing of the pipes from time
tunnelling and pipe considering to time had to be minimised and due
jacking building consideration had to be given to the potential
foundations and increase in the loading.
other services
Minimum cleansing 1.0 m/sec Estimation of pipe size:
velocity at peak flow
excluding storage The pipe size was estimated based on loading
calculations and peak flow assessment for the
Maximum flow velocity 3.0 m/sec
specified design requirements of the project. To
in the pipe at peak flow
be in accordance with the design manual, the
Depth of flow at peak Flowing full
estimation of the flow rates was based on both
flow
the population and average rate of flow per
Normal range of micro Outer dia. (O.D) =
capita, or for new developments by multiplying
tunnelling / pipe jacking 500mm to 2700mm
the number of dwellings by the anticipated
Diameter Int. Dia. ( I.D) =
occupancy rate. The Wastewater Design
300m – 2400mm
Engineers usually worry on the septicity that
Minimum tunnel To provide 1.0
could develop in the sewers especially in hot
gradient m/sec flowing full
climates that prevail in the gulf region. It is
at peak flow
observed that because of the hot climate,
Acceptable pipe material 200mm – 800mm sewage lacking in re-aeration has the potential
for micro tunnelling / dia. Extra Strength
to turn septic fast.
Pipe jacking verified clay pipe
The estimation of peak flows for determining
Polymer Concrete
average system hydraulic capacity needs to
pipe consider the degree of development of the
(800mm – 1800mm
design area.
dia.)
GRP lined Concrete
The Design Manual recommends to consider
pipes three scenarios in finalizing the design flow and
PVC lined Concrete
the size of the pipes as highlighted below:
pipes
HDPE lined

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  For fully developed areas, peak The Wastewater Manual also states that for
maximum flow shall include both sewers greater than 1000mm in diameter, the
sewage and infiltrations/inflows flow velocity at peak flow should be 1 m/s.
 In undeveloped areas, where
infiltration and inflow can be Al Khuwair is reasonably developed having a
controlled, Merrimack formula number of urban features. The system had to
could be used to determine the provide provisions for large scale future
peak flow development of mostly non-residential and
 For small catchments with less commercial entities where wastewater
than 5-100 properties the peaking generation would be relatively high. Giving
factor shall be taken as 4-5 due consideration to the potential development
related projects in the future and the design
The Merrimack Formula is expressed as: flow calculations and complying with all the
above mentioned requirements, the diameter
Qpdf= 2.65 x Qadf0.087
of the main trunk sewer was selected
Where Qpdf = Peak Daily Flow - ML/Day as1000mm.
Qadf= Average Daily Flow - ML/Day
Selection of pipe material:
To determine the sizes of the sewerage network
There were several options available for the
pipes and their slopes, two more equations are
Design Engineers to select the micro tunnelling
recommended in the design code of practice. i.e
pipe material. The main concern was the
Colebrook – White and Manning’s equations.
strength and the durability of the pipe and its
compressive strength against the jacking force
Colebrook – White Equation is expressed as:
and torque generated by the micro tunnelling
machines in driving pipes. The Design Manual
V = 2(2gDS)1/2log [Ks /3.7D+2.51v / D(2gDS)1/2]
specifies following pipe types for micro
tunnelling:
Manning’s equation is expressed as :
 Reinforced concrete pipes with
V = (1/n) R2/3 S1/2
GRP lining. The jacking pipe
Where, V = Velocity in m/Sec concrete has to comply with BS EN
D = Diameter of pipe ( mm) 206-1: 2000/BS 8500 and the GRP
S = Hydraulic Gradient ( m/m) internal liner shall have a design
Ks= Equivalent roughness life of 100 years when used for
v = Kinematic viscosity m2/s gravity flow applications.
g = Acceleration of gravity(m/s/s )  The sheet steel pipes welded in
n = Manning’ friction coefficient sections of 03-06 meter lengths and
R = Hydraulic Radius (m) with corrosion protection lining
 Polymer concrete pipes (Polycrete
In accordance with the Design Manual, the pipes) and fittings. The standard
minimum sewer diameter is taken as 200mm specification for Polymer Concrete
and the governing slopes depending on the pipe is ASTM D 6783-02
diameters and flow conditions will vary as
indicated below: From among the above mentioned options,
polycrete pipes of 1000mm diameter were
Table 02 -Slopes of sewers depend on pipe selected for micro tunnelling work of the
diameters and flow conditions(50% and 65% Project based on the following:
full)  Being able to be driven straight in to
Pipe Dia. Slope V0.5 V0.65 and across the ground as a carrier pipe
mm without requiring any sleeve pipes
200 5.00 mm/m 0.79  High compressive strength
250 3.70 mm/m 0.79  Being able to pass through natural hard
300 2.90 mm/m 0.79 soil formations
350 2.40 mm/m 0.79  Absence of ovality at pipe end
400 2.05 mm/m 0.75  Ease of handling because of the
500 1.54 mm/m 0.75 moderate weight.
600 1.20 mm/m 0.75
800 0.82 mm/m 0.75

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  Highly corrosion resistant smooth 5. Problems encountered when
inner surface that allows high flow micro tunnelling 1000mm
rates
diameter Polycrete pipes
 Reduced point loading and reduced risk of
rupture
In micro tunnelling there are several important
 Adoptable detentions and availability of factors as indicated below to be focused on
large diameter pipes while maintaining accurate records:

4. Site Investigations  Pipe alignment through the laser beam

 Pipe elevation (using instrument
Five bore holes were drilled in order to height and plumb line)
determine sub soil characteristics, top of the  Pipe driving speed ( length of drive
ground water table and soil bearing pressures over time)
at the depths where polycrete pipeline was to  Control room pipe driving
be laid. It was revealed that ground water table  Smooth operation and continuity of
appeared at an average depth of 10m and the driving
gravity trunk pipe therefore had to be laid at a
depth of 9-13m along the pipe route. This Irrespective of what precautions and
required continuous dewatering from the entry monitoring mechanisms are in place, micro
shaft throughout the duration of micro tunnelling is an exercise that cannot be
tunnelling. inspected directly and which has to be
supervised through mechanical means and
According to soil investigation results, the sand remote control devices. Therefore deviations,
layers appeared at ground level in general with deflections and pipe cracking could happen
a layer of hard laterite soil underneath. There while driving the pipes. Pipe cracking is not
was evidence of boulders beneath the hard allowed under code recommendations but
laterite soil layer. As there was hard soils at all limiting values have been specified for pipe
of the proposed elevations of the pipeline soil deviations and deflections. The recommended
conditions were found favourable for micro limits are indicated in Table 1. According to
tunnelling. However, arrangements had to be this Table , the variation from line and grade
made for continuous dewatering, for a pipe Micro tunnelling / Pipe jacking (entire
system that would remove crushing material alignment at entrance and exit shafts) allows
when pipes were being driven, and the only +/- 300mm and allowable vertical
injection of sealant material to the annular tolerance (micro tunnelling pipe jacking) is only
space between the pipe and the ground during +/- 25mm.
micro tunnelling. To make the operation easier
and faster in the presence of hard soil and 5.1 Pipe deviation of Al Khuwair 1000mm
boulders, lubricant material had to be applied. gravity trunk main
The pipe arrangement for the exercise is
illustrated in Figure 2. In the Al Khuwair gravity main, the pipeline
was observed to have deviated at two places
exceeding the 300mm limit. The following
Figure shows the deviation.

Figure 2- Typical pipe arrangement at the

driving end/shaft of micro tunnelling

Figure 3 - Deviation of pipeline at AlKhuwair

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As per the Contract, the pipeline was not commenced in a region where soil
allowed to deviate for more than 300mm properties have changed from
horizontally between any two manholes. Even boulders to soft soil
though the pipeline could not be accepted  The soil overburden pressure could
according to the Contract, the drive was done have changed due to the presence of
under continuous supervision. It was very compacted soil layers on top of the
clear that the pipeline had deviated at the tail existing utilities placed at lower
end of the pipe section especially along the last elevations. It was noticed at the point of
10m length out of a total micro tunnelling deviation of the 1000mm diameter
length of 88 m. Although the deviation was trunk sewer, that there was a 33,000
noticed in the control room the operating KVA electrical cable surrounded with
technician was confident that he could concrete at a lower level.
complete the drive not exceeding the tolerance  The possible impact on deviation due
specified for deviation. The Consultants to the to machine performance and pipe
Project who were responsible for the quality material discrepancies were ruled out
control of the construction did not accept the by the Contractor as rest of the pipeline
micro tunnelled pipe section. Technical was micro tunnelled smoothly and it
investigation was carried out on the pipe was believed that the problem was due
deviation and the following conclusions were to the specific conditions at the
arrived at: location.

 The Contractor should have stopped 5.2 Pipe cracking

the pipe driving soon after the
deviation was observed without Cracking of polycrete pipes was noticed at two
continuing any further, as it was not locations during micro tunnelling. This was
certain whether the drive could be again a concern that required detailed
completed complying with the investigations. It puzzled the Engineers as they
allowable limit for deviation had no previous experience of using polycrete
pipes in micro tunnelling . Micro tunnelling of
 To introduce a new manhole at the
the Project was carried out using 2.0m polycrete
point where deviation started and a
pipe lengths. As the micro tunnelling machine
new pipe length to be driven from that
proceeded towards the soil strata, 2.0m long
location.
polycrete pipes followed one after the other
 To reject the deviated length and to
with rubber rings at the joints. A collar was
recommend no payments to the
introduced at the pipe joint to withstand the
Contractor in respect of the deviated
jacking force. The annular space created
pipeline which was about 10m long.
between the pipe’s outer surface and the
 To accept the entire pipeline based on
ground was grouted through a jetting
the requirement of the Client as there
arrangement so that as indicated in Figure 3
was no significant impact on system
the laying of the pipe line could be completed
hydraulics and flow patterns and no
in accordance with the designed elevation and
possibility for increased infiltration as
alignment. The cracks that appeared in the
the joints were properly sealed.
micro tunnelled polycrete pipe section are
It was also revealed from investigations that the
shown in Figure 4 below.
above mentioned favourable conclusion in
respect of the deviated section of the pipeline
was possible because of the relatively large
diameter and the fact that the deviated length
was only 10m.

The Contractor was also requested to find out

the reasons for the pipe deviation and his
investigations had revealed the following:

 As a limited number of boreholes was

done along the pipe route, data
available was not sufficient to precisely
decide on sub soil properties. It was
reported that pipe deviation Figure 4 - Cracking of polycrete pipes

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This pipe cracking was found at a 13m distance have been caused by soil conditions or by
from the ground level. The pipes were driven in pipe cracking. Being a single wallpipe it
accordance with the specified alignment might not have allowed there distribution
maintaining accurate elevations for a 123m of the forces and w o u l d h a v e given a
length, although pipes began to crack while lower steering tolerance to the machine.
being driven through one particular location.  Polycrete pipe collar width might h a v e
The soil condition at the location was found to b e e n insufficient for the allowance on the
be aggressive. Although nine of the pipes that tunnelling work in a situation where
cracked could be taken away from the deviations have occurred. This might h a v e
receiving end four pipes still remained inside caused a reduced face load contact
as shown in Figure 4. The cracked pipes that generating a pressure exceeding the limit
were removed were sent to the manufacture’s allowed.
laboratory to check their compressive strength
and the pipe material was found to be
defective. The pipes that were removed were  The pipes h a d cracked under moderate
replaced as much as possible although nothing pressure (300 tons) at a position where
could be done for the damaged pipes that there had not been any cracks earlier. This
remained underground. Studies were made to had happened after the tunnel was
find out the causes for the pipe cracking and to completed and during the initial
find out a mechanism to repair the four replacement of the nine of the cracked
damaged pipes that were stuck in the pipeline. pipes. The soil condition and pressure at
the location led to the belief that cracked
pipes could have had hairline cracks
The Contractor’s investigations revealed the
before they were put to use.
following as factors that caused the pipes to
crack:
 Point load caused by the uneven jacking The rectification of the remaining damaged
force applied to the sewer by a defective pipes of the trunk sewer was the major concern
hydraulic power pack. The specialized to make the trunk sewer acceptable.
Subcontractor who tested the jacks
confirmed that they were w o r k i n g 5.3 Rectification of damaged pipes
p r o p e r l y at the time of their operation.
The higher forces of the jacking station Since the polycrete is a composite material with
w e r e not a p p l i e d at the front of the resin as a binder, repair of the defects either at
tunnel. If it was the case, i t w o u l d the site or at the factory was possible.
h a v e b e e n the pipes near the jacking rig
that would have cracked. Repairing procedure was as follows:
 It was confirmed that during the drive
there were issues with the speed control of 1. The location of the crack on the pipe
the hydraulic system. These have been was marked.
corrected after the completion of the drive. 2. The surface of the marked area was
Even though jacking pressures in excess of grinded to a width of 150 mm.
600 tons would have been exerted during 3. Any dirt present in the grinded area
the process, pipes were not damaged, as was wiped off.
they were able to withstand pressures up to 4. In a mixing bowl a sufficient amount
800 tons. of resin mix catalyzed with an
 Stoppage due to cracked pipes and safety appropriate curing agent was
measures adopted making the soil on t h e prepared and one coat of the paste
t o p o f t h e sewer t o lock and was applied to the prepared area
thereby increasing t h e loadxfriction using a round profile brush.
causing back pressure. The Subcontractor 5. The coat was allowed to seep through
kept on injecting 12 tons of bentonite the crack until it started to gelfy. One
during to page of work although 2 to 3 tons more layer of resin mix was applied to
w e r e t h e n o r m for a 100 meter drive. make the coat approximately 20
 Deviation in pipeline had caused t h e micron thick and make it gelfy.
jacking force to increase continuously 6. Polycrete motor was applied evenly
resulting in a point load. There had been on the crack using a putty pallet.
deviations in the driven pipe line 7. At least 20 minutes were allowed for
immediately after the cracking. This might the applied polycrete to cure.

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The experience gained in AlKhuwair, clearly • Designed jacking forces at the maximum
indicates the important areas that need to be angular deflection
focused on in the micro tunneling projects with • Pipe stiffness requirements
special attention paid towards laying of • Handling and positioning of the pipe
wastewater pipelines. The construction
difficulties faced in Al Khuwair highlight issues 7. Conclusion
as indicated below that could be shared among
wastewater design/construction engineers The Al Khuwair component of the Muscat
handling micro tunneling of sewers.: Wastewater Project reveals a number of
important factors related to micro tunnelling of
 Soil Investigations: the Al Khuwair waste water pipes. The problems surfaced from
example clearly indicates that the main the case study can be summarised as follows
reason for pipe deviation was the lack of for the benefit of new micro tunnelling
understanding on sub soil properties. It practitioners.
was realized that changes in sub soil
properties from hard to soft had an impact  Selecting the appropriate pipe material
on the pipe alignment during micro for micro tunnelling is a major factor as
tunnelling. If the change in sub soil pipe deviations and deflections need to
properties was known, then the driving be avoided while driving the pipes.
torque that had to be provided could have Once the pipe material is selected,
been changed accordingly to suit soft soil driving has to be done to minimize
conditions. point loads on the pipe and considering
 Existing Utilities: When existing utilities sub soil properties.
were present at low elevations, disturbed  More precise soil investigations to be
soils and compacted soils on top had an carried out along the pipe route in
impact on the micro tunnelling which had order to apply the driving torque
to be executed below those utility services. applicable to the available sub soil
 Impact of point loads: strata.
When point loads were generated on the  Detailed investigations need to be done
pipe to be micro tunnelled, there was a on existing underground utilities in the
tendency for the pipes to get damaged. area to identify disturbed soils and
Therefore the driving force had to be compacted soils that would have
applied throughout the pipe circumference. emerged during the laying of those
utility services at lower elevations as
these could have had an impact on the
6. Basic Design Considerations for micro tunnelling pipes placed deep in
Polycrete pipes the ground as these can cause pipe
cracking pipe deviations and excessive
Polycrete pipes for jacking are designed to settlement of the pipe line
resist all loads and damage from construction  It is recommended to stop pipe driving
processes, including crushing of the material and fix an additional manhole when
due to load transfer at the joint. The design pipe deviation is noticed through the
shall be carried out using a design procedure laser beam at the control room as
commonly used in Europe and around the controlling deviations would not be
world, such as ATV rules and standards A 161: possible in some cases. The Contractors
static calculation of driven pipes, DVGW should not take risks in micro
Specification GW 312: Static computation of tunnelling as the rejection of the work
driving pipes etc., and using wherever done by them, additional costs incurred
applicable published codes and standards. to redo the work or cost cuttings by
Consultants/Clients for the deviated
The thickness of the jacking pipe wall usually pipe sections may not be bearable.
determined by the pipe manufacturer is a
function of the following:

• Maximum Jacking force

• Length of the drive
• Dead and live loads and hydrostatic pressure.

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References
1. Section 03, Sewerage Systems, Wastewater
Design Manual, Oman Water Services
Company, pp. 3-2 – 3-23, June 2008.
2. Balasubramaniam, Bala K., Micro Tunnelling
in rock and soft ground strata-Asia Pacific
experiences, Trenchless Australasia –
December 2005.
3. 2011 Industry Review, pp14 – 36, Trenchless
Technology, North American Micro
Tunnelling.
4. Design and Construction of micro tunnelling
Projects, American society of Civil Engineers,
Industry Review 2011.
5. Micro tunnelling Incident Report 03 – Site
Visit, Muscat Waste Water Project, Contract
03, Al Khuwair network, MonteAdriano,
Middle East LLC.
6. Section 08, Micro tunnelling, Technical
Standard Specification-Civil, Oman
Wastewater Services Company, pp 01-36.

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