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Trenchless Engineering

Installing and renewing underground infrastructure with minimal disruption

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As cities grow denser and infrastructure ages, upgrading critical systems without disrupting daily life is becoming more complex. From congested urban corridors to environmentally sensitive areas, traditional excavation is often no longer viable.

Trenchless engineering provides a way forward. It installs and renews infrastructure below ground while keeping communities moving, protecting existing assets and reducing environmental impact.

Trenchless methods enable pipelines, utilities and infrastructure to be delivered beneath the surface — even in dense or sensitive environments. From pipelines and utility crossings to wells, collection galleries and remediation systems, this approach minimizes surface disruption while maintaining performance and reliability.

Jacobs combines deep trenchless knowledge and delivery experience with advanced design automation to select the right method from the outset. We integrate geotechnical insight and digital tools with construction planning to reduce risk and deliver safe, efficient outcomes in complex ground conditions.

How we deliver trenchless projects

Safe, buildable tunnels start with understanding uncertainty — and designing for it.

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Selecting the right installation method

Bringing deep proficiency across trenchless techniques, including Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), microtunneling, auger boring, pipe ramming, Direct Steering Pipe Thrusting (DSPT) and pilot tube methods. This allows us to identify the right solution for each ground condition, constraint and asset requirement.

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Faster, smarter HDD design

Accelerating HDD and DSPT design and enables rapid testing of alignment options within a CAD environment with our in-house HDDesign tool. Integrated settlement and digital utility risk tools assess ground movement and identify potential impacts early in the process.

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Managing ground and installation risk

Assessing and managing trenchless risk at every stage, from inadvertent fluid return (IFR) to impacts on buildings and utilities. By combining geotechnical insight with construction planning, we develop practical mitigation strategies that support safe delivery.

tunnel

Optimising alignment and asset performance

Defining alignments and pipe systems that balance constructability, performance and long-term reliability. We ensure compatibility and long-term asset performance through close collaboration between trenchless and design.

  • No.1 in Trenchless Engineering

    Jacobs ranked No. 1 trenchless design firm in the United States by Trenchless Technology for 10th consecutive year

    Our trenchless specialists deliver solutions that reduce disruption while strengthening critical water, wastewater and energy systems.

    Our industry recognition
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What is trenchless engineering?

Methods, risks, benefits and key considerations explained

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Trenchless engineering uses underground construction methods to install pipelines, conduits and utilities with minimal surface disruption.

Trenchless construction is used where surface disruption must be minimized, such as in urban areas, under roads or railways, when open-cut requires excavations greater than 20 feet (6 meters), when dewatering to allow open-cut methods is impractical, or when the location is beneath environmentally sensitive assets.

Trenchless methods can be used in soft ground and hard rock conditions, with the chosen approach depending on soil and rock properties, groundwater, pipe materials, accuracy, contents and installation requirements.

Frac-out, also known as In-Field Referencing (IFR), occurs when drilling fluids escape to the surface during trenchless installation, potentially impacting the environment and surrounding assets. The risk is typically highest with HDD but can also be a risk for DSPT and microtunneling.

Frac-out risk is managed through ground assessment, drilling pressure analysis, alignment selection, and mitigation planning during design and construction.

Trenchless engineering reduces surface disruption and greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with open-cut installation, improves safety, and enables efficient installation in constrained locations. It can also support safe construction in typically hazardous working environments such as contaminated ground and nearshore surf zones.

Related services

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  • Tunnel & Geotechnical Engineering

    Addressing complex ground conditions and underground construction challenges through advanced analysis and design.

  • Tunnel Systems Design & Construction Support

    Designing systems for new tunnels including conceptual, preliminary and final design, as well as construction support services.

  • Condition Assessments & Rehabilitation

    Assessing existing underground infrastructure and developing cost-effective methods to rehabilitate and extend service life.

  • Construction Impact Assessments

    Evaluating the impact of excavating tunnels and other underground infrastructure on adjacent buildings and utilities, including the development of monitoring and instrumentation schemes.