Pipe Ramming

Multifunctional Horizontal Installations

The pipe ramming or pipe hammering method is invaluable for installing medium- to large-diameter pipes over short distances and at shallow depths. We often use pipe ramming under roads and railroad tracks and in a wide range of soil conditions, with the exception of solid rock.

This basic non-steerable system consists of ramming an open-ended steel pipe through the soil using a percussion hammer from a drive pit. The soil may be removed from the casing by auguring, jetting, or compressed air. It provides continuous casing support during the drive. There is no over-excavation since it swallows the soil, small boulders, and cobbles smaller in diameter than the casing pipe.

Although we typically use it for horizontal installations, pipe ramming is multifunctional. We can also use it in steel pipe installations for tunnel construction roof support beneath existing infrastructure and pipe replacement.

Benefits of Pipe Ramming:

• Capable of swallowing cobbles and boulders
• Can be installed in unstable soils
• Minimal impact with a small footprint