JAG Companies, Inc. is excited to share that ECI Drilling International, LLC has consolidated operations with Huxted Tunneling, LLC to form one trenchless solutions company—Huxted Trenchless, LLC.

Microtunneling

Huxted specializes in the trenchless installation of pipe via the microtunnel and pilot tube microtunnel methods.

Long Drives

With years of Microtunneling history, Contractors have now developed means and methods that allow long drives (tunnels) to be constructed. Drive lengths in excess of 3000 feet have been completed, including those with curves. Most of these are in pipes larger than 36 inches in diameter. These longer drives allow for crossing larger bodies of water, environmental sensitive areas or simply to minimize road or urban disruption.

Intakes & Outfalls With Underwater Recovery

Since the microtunneling machine provides hydrostatic counterbalance while under operation or not, the microtunneling method is typically used in the construction of many intakes and outfalls. Most intakes and outfalls are located underwater, as such, conventional “open face” machines would flood or expensive cofferdams would have be built in environmentally sensitive areas to retrieve conventional machines.

Cost Effective / Environmental Crossings

Most environmentally sensitive areas are typically wet lands. Since the microtunneling machine provides hydrostatic counterbalance while under operation or not, the microtunneling method is typically used in the construction of pipelines under environmentally sensitive areas. As the soil underneath these marine environments are usually wet and fully saturate due to the hydrostatic contact of the marine body that is being crossed. In addition, the microutnneling machine is an earth pressure balance machine, thus protecting the hydrostatic conditions and preventing settlement and/or heave of the surface.

Railroad / Highway Crossings

Since the microtunneling machine provides hydrostatic counterbalance while under operation or not and earth pressure balance control, the microtunneling method can be used in the construction of pipelines under Railroads, Highways, Interstates, etc. without the interruption of traffic or railways.

Curved Drives

Curves, whether vertical, horizontal or compound have been completed today. Using sophisticated guidance systems, such as gyros, prisms, and other survey equipment, the location of the microtunneling machine is always known, as such, the machine can be surveyed and guided on a designed curve. Curves allow for installation of pipe lines around, under or over sensitive areas and obstacles (such as bridge pilings, manholes, other utilities, building foundations, etc.).

Marine / River Crossings

Since the microtunneling machine provides hydrostatic counterbalance while under operation or not, the microtunneling method is typically used in the construction of pipelines under rivers, creeks, streams, bays, etc. as the soil underneath these marine environments are usually wet and fully saturate due to the hydrostatic contact of the marine body that is being crossed.

Minimal Disruption

The microtunnel operation can install thousands of feet of pipe working out of one, relatively small location, as compared to the open cut operation, that requires large areas of disturbance, including complete lane closures, traffic detours, noise and dust issues. Therefore the microtunneling method is more friendly to the community, the public and the environment.

Precision

Microtunneling was originally designed for the installation of sanitary sewers, as such, the pipeline can be installed to a tight tolerance. This is helpful with microtunneling projects that require very sensitive grades or have underground obstacles to avoid.

SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

We are committed to achieving an accident free workplace. Proactive involvement, personal responsibility, personal accountability, and continuous individual improvement are expected of all employees, subcontractors, vendors and clients. Safety is of utmost importance in the planning of all directional drilling services, and every one of our employees embrace his/her role in successfully implementing our Safety Program.

Learn More About Our Safety Program