Procedure for Thrust Boring

Thrust boring is a method used for trenchless installation of pipelines or conduits under
roads, railways, rivers, or other obstacles, minimizing surface disruption. It involves using a
specialized machine to push a bore through the ground, with the ability to simultaneously
install a pipe or conduit. Below is a detailed step-by-step procedure for thrust boring:

1. Pre-Project Planning and Site Preparation

 Site Survey: Conduct a site survey to understand the ground conditions, including
soil types, groundwater levels, and existing utilities. Soil sampling and geotechnical
studies might be necessary to determine the feasibility of the project.
 Planning and Design: Design the bore profile, including the bore diameter, pipe size,
casing pipein accordance to Specification for Casing pipe -10481-OSL-AKPL-PE-SPC-0006 to
withstand the installation loads, and path. Review any environmental, safety, and
regulatory considerations.
 Obtain Permits: Ensure all necessary permits are obtained before starting the project.
This may include permissions for working near roads, railways, or other critical
infrastructure.
 Location Marking: Mark the starting and receiving pits for the thrust boring
operation on the ground. These pits should be strategically placed to allow for easy
access to the boring machine and the pipe installation.

2. Mobilization of Equipment and Materials

 Thrust Boring Machine Setup: Mobilize the thrust boring machine (also known as a
bore rig) to the site. The machine includes a thrust frame, a hydraulic system, and an
auger or bore head depending on the soil conditions.
 Pipe Materials: Ensure the required pipes or conduits are delivered to the site. The
pipe materials could be steel, PVC, HDPE, or another material depending on the
project specifications.
 Support Equipment: Bring in additional equipment such as lifting cranes, water or
lubrication systems (if required), and safety equipment.

3. Preparation of the Launch Pit (Entry Pit)

 Excavation: Excavate the launch pit at the starting point of the bore. The size of the
pit should be large enough to accommodate the boring machine and allow for pipe
assembly and installation.
 Leveling and Clearance: Ensure the pit is level and the boring machine can be
positioned without obstructions.
 Set Up the Thrust Boring Machine: Position the thrust boring machine at the
bottom of the launch pit, ensuring it is securely mounted and aligned with the planned
bore path.

4. Drill Hole and Bore Head Installation

  Installation of the Bore Head: Attach the selected bore head to the machine.
Depending on the ground conditions, the bore head may be a rotary, auger-type, or a
percussion drill.
 Start Boring Operation: Power on the thrust boring machine to begin boring. The
machine will apply force to the bore head, pushing it forward through the ground.
o Soil Type Consideration: The type of soil will determine the speed and
techniques of boring. For example, loose or sandy soils may require different
tools than rocky or compact soils.
o Monitoring: Continuously monitor the boring progress with the help of
sensors, inclinometers, or survey equipment to ensure the bore stays on the
desired line and grade.

5. Advancement of the Bore

 Thrusting Process: The machine uses hydraulic force to push the bore head forward
into the soil. The bore head often has cutting edges or other tools to break through the
ground.
 Pipe Insertion: As the bore progresses, the pipe is often pulled through the bore head
simultaneously. The pipe sections are connected as the bore advances. This ensures
the pipe is installed along the bore path.
 Lubrication and Cooling (if necessary): If necessary, water, foam, or other
lubricants are used to reduce friction and cool the cutting tools during the boring
process.
 Monitor Progress: Regularly check the bore head position, pipe integrity, and any
signs of difficulty such as unusual resistance, obstructions, or excessive torque.
Adjustments may be necessary if complications arise.

6. Completion of the Bore

 Final Pullback: Once the bore has been advanced to the receiving pit (exit pit), the
pipe installation is complete. If the machine was pushing the pipe through the bore,
the final step may involve pulling back the machine through the bore to remove it
from the ground.
 Check Alignment and Integrity: After the bore is completed, check the alignment
and integrity of the installed pipe. Verify that the pipe has been installed along the
desired path and is secure.
 Testing: Perform any required tests, such as pressure testing or leak detection, to
ensure the integrity of the pipeline.

7. Excavation of the Receiving Pit (Exit Pit)

 Excavation: Excavate the receiving pit at the exit point of the bore. The pit should be
large enough to retrieve the equipment and any pipe remnants.
 Remove Equipment: Extract the boring machine from the receiving pit, if it has been
pushed through the bore. Clean and inspect the equipment for reuse or storage.

8. Backfilling and Site Restoration

  Backfill the Pits: Backfill both the entry and exit pits with the material excavated
during the process. Ensure proper compaction to prevent future settlement.
 Surface Restoration: Restore the surface area, including repaving roads, replacing
grass, or repairing any other surface damage caused during the process.
 Safety Checks: Conduct a final safety check and ensure all equipment has been
removed from the site.

9. Post-Installation Inspections and Documentation

 Inspection: Conduct a final inspection to ensure all work is completed according to

design and specifications.
 Record Documentation: Document the completion of the boring operation, including
any adjustments made, challenges faced, and the condition of the installed pipeline.
 Handover to Client: After successful completion and inspection, hand over the
pipeline or conduit installation to the client, providing all necessary documents, as-
built drawings, and test reports.

Additional Considerations:

 Safety: Ensure all operators and workers are equipped with personal protective
equipment (PPE) and adhere to safety standards throughout the process.
 Environmental Protection: Monitor the project for environmental impacts,
particularly with regard to soil disturbance, water tables, or nearby vegetation.
 Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed, including clients, project
managers, and local authorities, to ensure smooth progress and address any issues
promptly.

This procedure can vary slightly depending on the scale of the project, soil conditions, and
local regulations, but it provides a comprehensive outline of thrust boring as a trenchless
pipeline installation method.

Method Statement for Thrust Boring

Project Title:
[Insert Project Name]
Location:
[Insert Project Location]
Date:
[Insert Date]
Prepared by:
[Insert Name and Position]
Reviewed by:
[Insert Name and Position]
1. Introduction

This method statement outlines the procedures, equipment, and safety measures for executing
thrust boring works. Thrust boring will be used for trenchless installation of pipelines or
conduits under roads, railways, rivers, or other obstacles. This method will minimize surface
disruption while ensuring the installation of the pipeline or conduit in a safe and efficient
manner.

2. Scope of Work

The scope of thrust boring work includes the following:

 Mobilization of equipment and materials.

 Site preparation, including excavation of entry and exit pits.
 Setup and operation of the thrust boring machine.
 Installation of the pipeline or conduit.
 Completion of the bore and site restoration.

3. Objective

The objective of this method statement is to ensure that the thrust boring operation is carried
out in a controlled and safe manner while meeting the project’s technical requirements.

4. Equipment and Materials

 Thrust Boring Machine (Bore rig)

 Bore Head (Suitable for soil type)
 Hydraulic System (for pushing the bore head)
 Pipes/Conduits (e.g., steel, PVC, HDPE, etc.)
 Lubricants/Water (for soil lubrication and cooling if required)
 Crane or Lifting Equipment (for moving heavy equipment)
 Surveying Equipment (e.g., inclinometers, GPS)
 Support Equipment (e.g., generators, compressors, lighting)
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Safety helmets, gloves, boots, hearing protection,
etc.)

5. Personnel

The personnel involved in the thrust boring operation will include:

  Project Manager: Oversees the entire operation.
 Site Supervisor: Manages site activities and ensures safety.
 Boring Machine Operator: Operates the thrust boring machine.
 Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with safety regulations.
 Surveyor: Monitors the alignment and progress of the bore.
 Laborers: Assist in excavation, material handling, and other tasks.

6. Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations

 Safety Hazards: The following hazards are associated with thrust boring operations:
o Ground instability
o Equipment failure
o Confined space work (entry and exit pits)
o Noise and vibration from the boring machine
o Manual handling of materials
o High-pressure hydraulic systems

 Control Measures:
o All personnel must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
o The work area must be cordoned off with adequate signage and barriers to restrict
access.
o The boring machine must undergo a pre-operation safety check to ensure it is
functioning properly.
o Regular breaks for the crew will be scheduled to prevent fatigue.
o A detailed emergency response plan must be in place in case of any accidents.
o Environmental protection measures must be taken to minimize soil and water
contamination.

 Emergency Procedures:
o Establish a clear evacuation route from the site.
o Provide first aid kits and ensure that trained personnel are available on-site.
o Have a communication system in place to quickly contact emergency services.

7. Procedure

7.1 Site Preparation

1. Survey the Site: Conduct a thorough survey to assess the ground conditions, locate existing
utilities, and confirm the alignment of the bore.
2. Excavate Entry and Exit Pits: Excavation of the entry (launch) and exit (reception) pits should
be carried out with proper shoring to prevent collapse. The size of the pits should allow for
adequate space to position the thrust boring machine, assemble the pipe, and retrieve the
machine at the end of the operation.
3. Ensure Proper Access: Ensure that access roads and paths are clear for the movement of
equipment and materials.
7.2 Thrust Boring Machine Setup

1. Position the Thrust Boring Machine: Position the machine in the entry pit, ensuring that it is
properly aligned with the planned bore path. The machine should be securely mounted to
prevent any movement during operation.
2. Install the Bore Head: Attach the appropriate bore head to the thrust boring machine. The
bore head should be suitable for the type of soil and soil conditions encountered.
3. Check Hydraulic System: Ensure the hydraulic system is connected and functioning properly,
capable of delivering the necessary force to push the bore head through the ground.
4. Survey Setup: Set up the survey equipment to monitor the bore's alignment and depth
throughout the operation.

7.3 Boring Process

1. Start the Thrust Boring Machine: Begin the boring process by activating the thrusting
system, pushing the bore head into the ground. The hydraulic force will drive the bore head
through the soil, while the machine continues to apply thrust.
2. Simultaneous Pipe Installation: As the bore progresses, install the pipeline or conduit
simultaneously. This is typically done by pulling the pipe through the bore head or pushing
the pipe behind the bore head.
3. Monitoring: Continuously monitor the progress of the boring machine and check the bore’s
alignment. Adjust the machine as necessary to ensure that the bore follows the correct path.
4. Lubrication and Cooling (if required): If necessary, apply water or other lubricants to reduce
friction and cool the cutting tools. This is particularly important when boring through hard or
compact soils.
5. Handling Difficult Conditions: If resistance is encountered, halt the operation and
investigate the cause, such as obstruction, changing soil conditions, or equipment
malfunction. Adjustments to the machine settings or bore head may be required.

7.4 Completion of Bore

1. Advance to the Exit Pit: Continue the boring process until the bore head reaches the exit pit.
2. Pull the Boring Machine Back (if required): If the machine was pushed through, retract the
boring machine to the entry pit after completing the bore. If pipe pullback was done, remove
any pulling cables or attachments.
3. Final Alignment Check: Confirm that the installed pipe is correctly aligned and positioned.
Conduct any necessary tests (e.g., pressure tests) to verify the integrity of the pipeline.

7.5 Excavation of Exit Pit

1. Excavate Exit Pit: Complete any necessary excavation at the exit pit to retrieve the machine
and remove the pipe.
2. Inspect Pipe Integrity: Inspect the installed pipe for any damage during installation, and
make any necessary repairs.

7.6 Site Restoration

1. Backfill Pits: Backfill the entry and exit pits with excavated soil, ensuring proper compaction
to prevent future settlement.
2. Surface Restoration: Restore the surface to its original condition, including replacing any
pavements, restoring vegetation, and repairing any other surface infrastructure.
 3. Clean-Up: Clean the site by removing all equipment, waste materials, and debris. Ensure
that the site is left in a safe and clean condition.

8. Quality Control and Assurance

 Regularly inspect and verify that the bore is proceeding according to the planned design.
 Maintain a detailed record of the boring operation, including bore length, alignment, and
any difficulties encountered.
 Ensure that the pipeline is pressure tested and inspected before being put into service.

9. Documentation and Handover

Upon completion of the work:

 Provide as-built drawings showing the actual pipeline alignment and depth.
 Submit test results, including pressure testing and material inspection reports.
 Hand over the installation to the client after final inspection and approval.

10. Conclusion

This method statement provides a clear and detailed procedure for carrying out thrust boring
operations safely and efficiently. Adherence to the outlined steps will ensure that the project
is completed in compliance with technical specifications, safety standards, and environmental
regulations.