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Find out more about the trenchless technology field

Not just anyone can use this technology; contractors for trenchless technology undergo special training to provide this service. Properly trained trenchless contractors know the right tools for dealing with site-specific problems, such as difficult soil conditions, as well as ways to spot unsafe conditions.

I recommend: Redzone Robotics answers questions about trenchless technology contractors. Trenchless Information Center presents information on trenching technology and trenching contractors.

Feel confident by reading trenchless technology success stories

The success of trenchless technology techniques is measured by those contractors in the field, as well as residents of the area after the work is complete. Hearing stories about similar projects can give you an idea of possible outcomes.

I recommend: TT Technologies offers stories of trenchless contractors who have had success using the various trenchless technology products in the field. Trenchless Technology describes a dewatering process in an area near the ocean in which contractors employed trenchless techniques.

Make sure the trenchless technology contractor is safe

Make sure the contractor takes the proper precautions before starting to dig and employing trenchless technology techniques. The contractor should contact the utility companies before starting the work to identify underground utilities that may cross the path of the work and cause a hazardous situation.

I recommend: The National Utility Contractors Association offers installation resources for trenchless technology contractors. Black & Veatch is an expert on tunneling and trenchless technology.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for a proof of insurance from the trenchless technology company, so that you're sure the business and its employees have coverage in case of accident or injury.

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Get on the trenchless technology train

If you are a contractor, you should take time to investigate the trenchless technology products that can give you an edge over the competition. Most trenchless technology companies offer training with their products and you will use fewer crewmembers to get the job done, which can offset some of your costs. The newest enterprise trenchless technologies can be operated and repaired remotely by computer.

I recommend: Tric Tools offers financing and lease options for its wide variety of trenchless technology products. You can view their entire catalog online and get personal service in a day. Perma-liner carries some of the newest trenchless pipe replacement technology.

Start small with a housing trenchless technology contractor

Installing a sewer line for a new house can cause a lot of upset in a residential neighborhood, never mind the cable and electrical lines you'll be laying. Look for trenchless technology contractors to get the job done in less time with much less disturbance, and pass the cost on to the homeowner.

I recommend: Find a local trenchless technology contracting company through Sewer Contractors. These are contractors who have proven experience with trenchless technology. Home-Contractors can get you a free quote from local pre-screened contractors for trenchless technology.

Bring in experts in trenchless technology contracting

Commercial contractors are becoming more and more specialized. And those who are bringing trenchless technologies into the forefront of development often have their own niches they've built. If you are unfamiliar with trenchless technology companies, it might behoove you to reach out to a consultant for your first couple forays into the field.

I recommend: I and Y Construction specializes in commercial development using trenchless technologies. Their main expertise is sports fields and schools. Intota can set you up with a trenchless technologies consultant for those big jobs that require experience in the finding and hiring the best trenchless contractors.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Watch for used and refurbished trenchless technology products that soon will be coming on the market. This is new technology that started to gear up in the 1990's, so there is not a glut of used equipment out yet.

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Learn all you can from trenchless technology companies

Companies that specialize in trenchless technology can offer the training required for contractors and employees to get up to speed. As the technology improves and the processes become more widely accepted, these companies and their associates will be poised to benefit as well.

I recommend: General Excavating is a Nebraska company dedicated to using trenchless technology as much as possible in their work. Charles Machine Works, the manufacturer of Ditch Witch, offers training in trenchless technology to employees.

Take advantage of resources offered by trenchless technology societies

You can learn about the techniques that trenchless contractors can use in the field through societies dedicated to contractors for technology contractors. Explore the research that a university has to offer in the field.

I recommend: North American Society for Trenchless Technology is a society to further the education of contractors for trenchless technology. Visit the website of the University of Texas-Arlington Center for Underground Research and Education (CUIRE) for more information on trends in the business or try the Louisiana Tech University Trenchless Technology Center. The Colorado School of Mines offers a short course in microtunneling.

Attend trade shows devoted to trenchless technology

Take advantage of all of the resources available that pertain to trenchless technology products, including trade shows and websites devoted to trenchless technologies. You can meet with exhibitors at trade shows and ask questions about particular applications.

I recommend: The International No Dig Show is a great place to meet manufacturers and receive the latest news and training in trenchless technology. Trenchless Online is a good clearinghouse for information about trenchless technology.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you learn about the technology, visit job sites to see trenchless technology work in action. Be sure to ask questions of the foreman to learn about each facet of the project, as well as the safety precautions they must take to ensure a safe job site.

Guide to Trenchless Technology Contractors Key Terms

Know trenchless technology contractors key terms to utilize trenchless methods at construction sites

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

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Trenchless pipe replacement

Trenchless pipe replacement refers to traditional and alternative methods of replacing existing underground water and sewer pipes. One alternative method includes using rigid pipes made of materials including fiberglass, concrete and clay to replace older types of trenchless piping.

I recommend: Read the document at American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Publications to learn about trenchless pipe replacement.

Trenchless technology robots

Trenchless technology robots provide measurable data to help contractors determine subterranean factors in construction areas. Trenchless technology robots are also beneficial since they can enter hazardous areas that are inaccessible or unsafe for humans.

I recommend: Learn about trenchless technology robots at Redzone Robotics.

Guided boring tools

Guided boring tools install pipes, conduits and cables. Guide boring tools drill and enlarge holes to fit any size of piping.

I recommend: Read about guided boring tools used by trenchless technology contractors at TT Technologies.

Wellpoint dewatering

Wellpoint dewatering is a system used to drain or remove water from construction sites. Wellpoint lowers the water table so that water can drain from construction sites. If there is a lot of water, many wellpoints are used. Construction sites with a lot of ground water or that are located near rivers, lakes and oceans may need to use many wellpoints to prevent water damage.

I recommend: Read the information about at Trenchless Technology about wellpoint dewatering.

Directional horizontal drilling

Directional horizontal drilling installs pipes, cables and conduits non-vertically. Directional horizontal drilling is beneficial as it lessens the amount of rig moves since wellheads can be grouped together on one surface location and because this type of drilling can be done where vertical drilling is impossible.

I recommend: Gather information about directional horizontal drilling at Oxford Plastics Inc.

Trenchless rehabilitation

Trenchless rehabilitation refers to the methods used to upgrade or restore the performance of existing pipeline systems.

I recommend: Find out about trenchless rehabilitation and why it is necessary at Insituform.