Trenchless technology making construction easier on everyone

Last year, a tunnel boring machine was used at Baseline Road and Courtice Road in the Municipality of Clarington to dig an 817 metre long tunnel for sanitary sewer services to planned development areas. The project was completed in partnership with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd.

This type of trenchless technology involves underground construction work that requires fewer trenches or no continuous trenches and is being used by the Region to install utilities such as water and sanitary sewer pipes. This innovative trenchless technology means less construction impacts than traditional open-cut work, where a large section of land is dug up to complete the project. 

Durham’s Courtice Trunk Sanitary Sewer Project recently began using a micro tunnel boring machine (MTBM) as a part of its trenchless technology operations. The MTBM is inserted into a concrete shaft six metres in diameter and nine to 13 metres deep. The MTBM has a rotating face with cutting discs to grind away the existing earth layer, which is then carried away in pipes back to the entry pit where it can be removed. As the MTBM is tunneling, the position is controlled by a laser and target guidance system. With the help of steering cylinders, the operator can influence the direction and follow the route with the tunneling system. The segmented tunneling pipes, which connect to form the finished tunnel, are pressure resistant and can safely support the high loads exerted by the tunneling forces, jack friction, water pressure and soil loads. When the tunneling pipes are connected, they form a watertight yet flexible connection. 

Trenchless technology also reduces environmental impacts because there is less surface disruption to environmentally sensitive areas. There are benefits to residents too, as trenchless construction has lower traffic and noise impacts.

Learn more about Durham’s construction projects.