Technical considerations for applying trenchless technology methods to underground power cables

The routes of underground cable projects sometimes include challenging obstacles that do not permit construction using conventional open-cut trenching methods. The size of the obstacles may range from a few tens of meters (e.g., roadway crossing) to a couple of kilometers (major highway or body of water) where specialized civil construction methods that avoid open-cut trenching can be beneficial. Because of the heat-producing nature of power cables, combining trenchless methods with electric power cables presents unique challenges that must be carefully considered. This paper highlights these design challenges in an effort to better assure successful power cable projects using trenchless technology.