First curved steel microtunnel completed in New Jersey
(UI) — A wastewater infrastructure project in New Jersey has become the first known installation to use curved steel microtunneling, marking a potential advancement in trenchless construction technology.
NWPX Infrastructure announced the successful field deployment of its patent-pending Permalok Radial Bending Joint, a connection system designed to allow steel casing pipe to be installed along controlled curved alignments during microtunneling operations.
The technology was used on an emergency wastewater conveyance project for the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority beneath Pleasure Bay, where crews installed approximately 1,290 feet of 72-inch steel casing pipe along a 5,500-foot-radius curve. The alignment helped crews navigate a constrained construction area and connect with an abandoned tunnel after complications affected an earlier tunneling effort.
Traditional steel microtunneling installations are generally limited to straight-line alignments, often requiring engineers to design around existing utilities, waterways and underground infrastructure. According to NWPX, the new joint system allows horizontal, vertical and compound curves while remaining compatible with existing microtunneling equipment and jacking systems.
Scott Montross, president and CEO of NWPX Infrastructure, said the successful installation demonstrates that curved steel microtunneling can be used in field conditions rather than remaining a conceptual design approach.
“This is one of the most significant advancements in steel microtunneling in decades,” Montross said. “The successful installation demonstrates that curved steel microtunneling is no longer a concept, but a proven reality.”
The project was designed by Hazen and Sawyer and constructed by Northeast Remsco Construction. Industry observers say the technology could provide engineers with additional flexibility on future trenchless projects where underground obstacles, limited work areas or environmental constraints make straight-line installations difficult.
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