Applications of Horizontal Characterization Techniques in Trenchless Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 127, Issue 6
Abstract
Horizontal site characterization technologies present a rapidly evolving alternative to traditional vertical site investigation methods for subsurface investigations of large diameter trenchless construction projects. A state-of-the-art review of horizontal site characterization tools, both currently available and under development, is presented. Additionally, a rational methodology for the selection and deployment of horizontal site investigation techniques in trenchless construction projects is also presented. The methodology enables the user to define and quantify the risks involved in a particular project, as well as to evaluate the degree to which these risks can be mitigated using various site characterization techniques. The proposed model is demonstrated using a working example. The paper concludes with a discussion of future trends in this exciting new field. The main conclusions drawn from this work are (1) adequate subsurface information is invaluable for underground construction; (2) site investigation programs of linear construction projects can be enhanced by horizontal characterization techniques; and (3) the availability of continuous and near-continuous subsurface information enables the utilization of new approaches for the analysis and representation of subsurface data.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Adams, C. D., Thompson, P. A., and Smith, S. G. ( 1993). “Risk management—An alternative approach.” Proc., No-Dig Int. '93, International Society for Trenchless Technology, London, A2.1–A2.5.
2.
Albright, J. ( 1999). “Lab microdrilling technology can cut cost of oil exploration.” Press Release 99-153, Oct. 20, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.
3.
Allouche, E. N. ( 2000). “A decision support model for selection of a trenchless construction method.” PhD thesis, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.
4.
Allouche, E. N., Ariaratnam, S. T., and Lueke, J. (2000). “Horizontal directional drilling—Profile of an emerging industry.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 126(1), 68–76.
5.
Anderson, J. ( 1998). “Minimizing underground construction risks require maximum engineering effort.” Tunnelling-and-Underground-Space-Technol., London, 13(4), 365–368.
6.
Ariaratnam, S. T., Allouche, E. N., and Biggar, K. W. ( 2000). “A new generation of horizontal soil samplers.” Can. Geotech. J., Alliston, Ont., Canada, (37), 259–263.
7.
Ashley, D. B. ( 1981). “Geological prediction and updating in tunneling—A probabilistic approach. Rock mechanics—From research to implementation.” Proc., 22nd U.S. Symp. on Rock Mech., American Rock Mechanics Association, Alexandria, Va., 391–396.
8.
Capozzoli, L. J. ( 1996). “To know or not to know—The site characterization process and its role in horizontally drilled pipeline crossings.” Proc., Pipeline Crossings 1996, ASCE, New York.
9.
Clementino, R. V., Robertson, P. K., Biggar, K., and Cyre, G. ( 1999). “A novel approach for horizontal site characterization.” Geotech. News, 17(4), 46–52.
10.
Dawson, C. ( 2000). “The value of hard rock directional drilling for geologic exploration.” Tunnel Business Mag., Peninusula, Ohio, April 23–24.
11.
Ditch Witch. ( 1996). New product information pamphlet, Perry, Okla.
12.
Dowdell, R., and Tokle, V. ( 1998). “Horizontal coring in Metro West.” Proc., North Am. Tunneling Conf. '98, International Tunneling Association, Paris, 95–103.
13.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). ( 1976). “Feasibility of horizontal boring for site investigation in soil.” Rep. No. FHWA-RDS-76-1, Federal Highway Administration Offices of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.
14.
Franck'e, J. C. ( 1997). “The role of ground penetrating radar in trenchless crossings.” No-Dig Engrg., 4(4), 7–9.
15.
Frank, G., Guy, E., and Daniels, J. ( 2000). “The use of borehole ground penetration radar in determining the risk associated with boulder occurrence.” Proc., No-Dig 2000, North American Society for Trenchless Technology, Arlington, Va., 39–48.
16.
Hayes, R. W. ( 1987). Risk management in engineering construction, Thomas Telford, London.
17.
Hinze, J., and McClelland, T. ( 1997). “Risk assessment in underground construction: Uncertainty is certain.” No-Dig Engrg., 3(4), 19–22.
18.
Ioannou, P. G. (1988). “Geologic exploration and risk reduction in undergound construction.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 114(4), 532–547.
19.
Karlsson, H. ( 1993). “Horizontal systems technology for shallow site remediation.” Proc., 1993 SPE Annu. Tech. Conf. and Exhibition, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Dallas, Tex., 160–165.
20.
Kim, Y. W. ( 1984). “Decision support framework in adaptable tunnelling.” MS thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
21.
Klein, S. J., Nagle, G. S., and Raines, G. L. ( 1996). “Important geotechnical considerations for microtunneling.” No-Dig Engrg., 3(4), 9–12.
22.
Mathy, D., and Nielson, D. R. ( 1999). “Geologic reconnaissance: The first step in successful trenchless construction.” Proc., No-Dig '99, Northern American Society for Trenchless Technology, Arlington, Va., 107–115.
23.
Miller, R. J. ( 1994). “Subsurface exploration in support of trenchless excavation.” Proc., No-Dig '94, Northern American Society for Trenchless Technology, Arlington, Va.
24.
O'Reilly, M., and Stovin, V. ( 1992). “Trenchless construction: Risk assessment and management.” Trenchless Technol. Res., U.K., 11(1), 25–35.
25.
Peacock, W. S., and Whyte, E. I. ( 1992). “Site investigation and risk analysis.” Civ. Engrg., London, 92, 74–81.
26.
Sylwester, R. E. ( 1997). “The application of continuous reflection profiling methods to trenchless pipeline projects.” Proc., Spec. Conf. on Trenchless Pipeline Proj., ASCE, New York, 398–415.
27.
Temple, M. W. B., and Stukhart, G. (1987). “Cost effectiveness of geotechnical investigations.”J. Mgmt. in Engrg., ASCE, 3(1), 8–19.
28.
Thompson, J., Sangster, T., and Kramer, S. ( 1998). “An overview of the economics of trenchless technology.” No-Dig Engrg., 5(2), 23–27.
29.
Tokle, V. ( 1997). “Tunneling need not be a gamble.” No-Dig Int., 8(9), 17–19.
30.
Webster New Dictionary and Thesaurus, Concise Edition. (1990). Russell, Geddes, and Grosset, eds., Windsor Court, New York.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 127 • Issue 6 • December 2001
Pages: 476 - 484
History
Received: Oct 30, 2000
Published online: Dec 1, 2001
Published in print: Dec 2001
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.