Direct Pipe Installation

Direct Pipe Installation

Direct Pipe combines the two methods either side of it: the pressurised, guided face of a microtunnel machine, and the prefabricated string of a directional drill. A tunnelling machine is mounted on the leading end of the product pipe and the whole assembly is thrust forward from the launch side in one continuous pass — the pipe is installed as the bore advances, not pulled back into it afterwards.

That single pass is the point. There is no reaming sequence, no open annulus waiting for a pullback, and no pullback operation in which a long string can be damaged or become stuck. For major water crossings and long pipeline installations, removing that risk is often worth more than the difference in mobilisation cost.

It suits large-diameter crossings, ground that will not stand open, and situations where an open annulus would present an unacceptable environmental or schedule exposure.

Crossing feasibility: Ground, pipe specification and thrust capacity assessed together to confirm the method suits the crossing.
Launch works: Thrust pit or surface launch with the pipe thruster reaction structure engineered for the calculated loads.
Single-pass installation: Guided tunnelling machine and product pipe advanced together in one continuous operation.
Pipe string preparation: Welding, non-destructive testing and coating of the product string prior to installation.
Exit & tie-in: Machine recovery, exit-side restoration and tie-in to the adjoining pipeline sections.
No pullback exposure: Installing in a single pass removes the highest-risk operation in a conventional long crossing entirely.
Continuous face support: Pressurised support maintained throughout, controlling settlement and preventing inadvertent returns.
Thrust load control: Pipe stress is calculated and monitored live against allowable limits for the full drive.
Guidance & steering: Continuous monitoring against the design profile with progressive correction throughout the advance.
Coating protection: Pipe coating is protected during installation and verified before the crossing is accepted.
Risk elimination: The pullback failure mode — the one that ends long crossings badly — is designed out of the method.
Large diameters: Handles pipe sizes and crossing lengths at the limit of, or beyond, practical directional drilling.
Sensitive crossings: Continuous face support suits major watercourses and environmentally sensitive alignments.
Schedule certainty: A single continuous operation replaces a multi-stage sequence, with fewer points at which the programme can slip.

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How We Works

How To Work With Boundary Creek Construction

service 1
Consultation & Planning

We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your vision, budget, and project goals. Our team works with you to develop a tailored plan.

service 2
Design & Pre-Construction

Our engineers and designers develop detailed plans and specifications, coordinating all stakeholders before a single shovel hits the ground.

service 3
Construction & Delivery

We execute with precision, keeping you informed at every milestone until your project is complete, commissioned, and handed over on time.