Challenging Under-River Pipe Jacking for Water Transmission Main
A regional water utility company in the Middle East required installation of a critical 800mm diameter water transmission main beneath a major river, connecting two water treatment facilities. The river crossing was essential for expanding potable water supply to a rapidly developing urban area with a population exceeding 2 million residents.
- River width: 280m crossing distance
- Depth of installation: 15m below river bed
- High water table and saturated soil conditions
- Presence of boulders and rock formations in the drilling path
- Strict environmental regulations protecting aquatic ecosystem
- Critical timeline with limited dry season window
- Required to maintain hydraulic pressure for water transmission
APIE Foundation Equipment supplied our HYPERTEC HPT-800 Rock-Type Slurry Pipe Jacking Machine, engineered specifically for challenging geological conditions including mixed ground and rock formations.
- Comprehensive geotechnical survey including borehole sampling
- 3D modeling of drilling path and geological layers
- Custom cutting wheel design with disc cutters for rock formation
- Construction of 7m diameter launch shaft on riverbank
- Installation of thrust frame with 1500-tonne capacity
- Setup of advanced slurry separation plant with environmental protection measures
- Installation of 1000mm OD steel pipes with special corrosion protection
- Average advance rate: 6-10m per day through mixed ground conditions
- Real-time monitoring of face pressure to prevent riverbed settlement
- Use of intermediate jacking stations to reduce friction forces
- Precise breakthrough on opposite riverbank
- Hydrostatic pressure testing of installed pipeline
- Connection to existing water transmission network
- Successful Crossing: 280m river crossing completed with ±20mm alignment accuracy
- Zero Environmental Impact: No disturbance to river ecosystem or water quality
- Rock Formation Handling: Successfully negotiated through 85m of rock formation with boulders
- Schedule Compliance: Project completed within 6-month timeline despite geological challenges
- Quality Assurance: Pipeline passed all pressure tests exceeding design requirements
Client Testimonial:
“APIE’s technical team demonstrated exceptional expertise in handling our complex river crossing project. The rock-type pipe jacking machine performed beyond expectations, and the proactive problem-solving approach helped us overcome unexpected geological challenges. This project sets a new benchmark for trenchless river crossings in our region."
— Chief Engineer, Regional Water Utility Company
