Chapter 1 Introduction

Communities around the world routinely install underground utilities of various types, sizes, and purposes. Pipelines are installed everywhere and by a variety of construction methods, the most common of which is open trench excavation. Trenchless methods for new utility installations are often attractive to project owners and are sometimes required by regulatory agencies and property owners because they reduce impacts to the surface, existing structures, and infrastructure. This introductory chapter summarizes the benefits of trenchless construction methods. Trenchless methods, equipment, and guidance systems improve and change over time, and contractors continue to develop innovative new techniques. Therefore, it is important for design engineers to keep abreast of available trenchless methods and tooling to systematically evaluate options. An overview of the key concepts discussed in this book is also provided.