What Does
Microtunneling Mean?
Microtunneling refers to a remotely controlled boring process used to create small tunnels ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters (1.9 to 5.0 feet) in diameter that are intended to contain pipelines. Microtunneling is performed by a microtunnel boring machine (MTBM).
Corrosionpedia Explains Microtunneling
The microtunnel boring machines that are used to perform microtunneling provide a steady stream of continuous water, pipe jacking and soil to facilitate underground construction of structures such as buried pipelines and waterways.
The microtunneling process was developed in Japan in the 1970s to install sewer pipelines in urban areas without disrupting regular operations and transportation. It is currently used for a variety of construction operations including railroads and highways.