Summary

This Recommendation describes the main techniques which allow installation of underground telecommunication network infrastructures minimizing or eliminating the need for excavation. These techniques, commonly known as trenchless or no-dig techniques, create a horizontal bore below the ground in which the underground infrastructure (ducts, pipes or direct buried cables) can be placed.

Trenchless techniques can reduce environmental damage and social costs and at the same time, provide an economic alternative to open-trench methods of installation.

After a description of the available techniques, this Recommendation examines the different kinds of work that are performed, the preliminary operation that shall be carried out, the drilling operation and the installation procedure advising on general requirements.