The key to cost-effective completion of an underground repair is to select the correct trenchless solution for the specific problem. Stephl Engineering is a proven expert at repairing buried pipes and manholes without digging and we are the recognized leader in this technology in Alaska. We know that a trenchless method that is successful elsewhere may not be applicable in Alaska, due to many factors. These include extra depth of bury, mobilization costs, lack of locally available equipment and expertise, lack of proper support equipment, shipping costs, small quantities, etc. Stephl Engineering has designed over 150,000 feet of trenchless pipe repair projects in communities and military installations across Alaska that employed technologies such as:
- Cured in place pipe lining (CIPP) for water and sewer mains
- CIPP point repairs
- Sliplining
- Pipe bursting
- Bypass pumping
- Manhole rehabilitation
- Annular space grouting
- Sewer structure interior coatings
Construction of underground pipelines using horizontal drilling/boring methods can be cost-effective and feasible depending on the specifics of the project. A very thorough geotechnical investigation is important to reduce the risk of unforeseen problems. Glacial till soils and high groundwater found in parts of Alaska can be challenging for some drilling methods.
Examples of this technology that have been designed by Stephl include:
- Horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
- Pilot tube microtunneling (PTMT)
- Auger boring
- Pipe ramming