Development and applications of trenchless technology in China

Abstract Trenchless technology has developed for almost 10 years in China since the first symposium on trenchless technology was held in Beijing (Peking) in 1996 and the China Society for Trenchless Technology-CSTT was established in 1998. Driven by the dramatically increased demand for underground pipeline installation throughout the nation, China has made significant progress in research and development in trenchless technology in the past 10 years. For example, there are more than 200 contractors engaged in trenchless construction, using more than 2000 horizontal directional drilling machines, among which approximately 700 have been introduced in the last year, and the biggest HDD rig in the world is now in China. In addition, China has made many achievements in education, research, and new products development and has accomplished many challenging projects in terms of complexity, diameter and distance in this field. There is a huge market potential for trenchless technology in mainland China. This paper presents the latest research, education, training, marketing and technical status of trenchless technology in China, and discusses the potential market, trends and factors that will influence trenchless technology in the next decade in China.