Microtunneling is the most accurate of the pipe jacking methods; can cover the longest distances; and handle variable ground conditions. It generally causes no subsidence relative to other pipe jacking methods.

Microtunneling Process photos courtesy of Robison Construction, Inc. and Northeast Construction, Inc.

Pipe ramming is a non-steerable method of forming a bore by driving a steel casing, usually open-ended, horizontally through the ground with a percussive hammer. The soil may be removed from an open-ended casing by augering, jetting or compressed air. In appropriate ground conditions, a closed casing may be used. Since the material is not excavated until after the pipe has been driven into place, there is little or no settlement of the surface roadway or railbed.

Pipe jacking utilizes a jacking device to push pipe horizontally into the ground, forming a continuous string of pipe. Material is excavated as the pipe is pushed in.

Auger boring is a pipe jacking method of forming a bore by means of a rotating cutting head. The equipment may have limited steering capability, and auger boring is limited in the distance it can cover, but it is the most cost-effective method of pipe jacking.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a fast method of trenchless construction that uses guided drilling to permanently place pipe beneath both natural and man made barriers such as rivers, shores, roads and buildings.