Micro Tunneling Services for Deep, High-Accuracy Underground Installations
Scorpion Arabia delivers micro tunneling and pipe jacking solutions for projects that demand exact line, level and gradient control — including deep installations, gravity pipelines and works below the water table.
Our remotely controlled, slurry-based micro tunneling systems are engineered for precision, ground stability and predictable outcomes, even in complex soil and rock formations.
Micro tunneling is a fully remote-controlled trenchless construction method used to install pipelines with extremely high positional accuracy. Unlike conventional tunneling or HDD, micro tunneling allows continuous control of horizontal alignment, vertical alignment and gradient throughout the drive.
At Scorpion Arabia, micro tunneling is executed using electric hydraulic Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), driven from a prepared drive shaft to a receiving shaft by hydraulic jacking stations. The entire operation is controlled from the surface, ensuring safety and precision without personnel entering the tunnel.
The micro tunneling machine is launched through a sealed entry system that isolates the surrounding ground from the pit, maintaining stability and preventing ground loss during excavation.
This method is particularly suited for:
- Gravity sewer and drainage pipelines
- Deep pipeline installations
- Works below the groundwater table
- Urban and industrial areas with zero tolerance for settlement
Not all trenchless methods are equal.
Micro tunneling is selected when accuracy and ground control are non-negotiable. In gravity pipelines, even small deviations in gradient can result in operational failure. In deep installations, uncontrolled excavation can cause settlement, groundwater ingress or surface disruption.
Micro tunneling addresses these risks by providing:
- Continuous laser guidance for exact alignment
- Controlled face pressure to stabilize surrounding ground
- Slurry-based excavation to balance soil and water pressure
- Hydraulic jacking control to manage loads and prevent deformation
Because of these capabilities, micro tunneling is widely specified by consultants and authorities for sewer systems, drainage networks and critical underground utilities where HDD or open-cut methods are not acceptable.
Scorpion Arabia follows a controlled, step-by-step execution methodology to ensure safety, accuracy and ground stability throughout the tunneling process.
Drive & Receiving Shaft Preparation
Engineered shafts are constructed to support jacking forces, equipment loads and safe TBM launch.
TBM Launch & Ground Isolation
The micro tunneling machine is launched through a sealed opening, isolating ground conditions from the pit and preventing soil or water ingress.
Slurry-Based Excavation
Excavated soil is transported to the surface as slurry. Slurry pressure and jacking forces are carefully balanced to equalize ground pressures and prevent settlement.
Pipe Jacking & Advance
As the TBM advances, jacking pipes are sequentially installed behind the machine using a hydraulic jacking station.
Laser Guidance & Steering Control
Alignment and gradient are continuously monitored and adjusted using laser guidance and hydraulic steering jacks inside the TBM.
Operation Under Groundwater Conditions
The system is capable of operating within the water table, with face pressures of up to 3.0 bar, enabling deep and submerged installations.
While both methods are trenchless, they serve very different purposes.
Micro tunneling is used when:
- Exact gradient control is required
- Gravity pipelines are involved
- Settlement control is critical
- Installations are deep or below groundwater
HDD is typically used when:
- Minor alignment variation is acceptable
- Pipelines are pressurized
- Shallower installations are feasible
Understanding this distinction is critical during project planning — and Scorpion Arabia supports clients and consultants in selecting the correct method from the outset.
Micro tunneling is commonly specified for projects where precision and ground control are essential, including:
- Gravity sewer and drainage pipelines
- Deep underground utility corridors
- Road, highway and railway crossings
- Industrial and refinery infrastructure
- Urban environments with sensitive surface structures
Each application is evaluated based on alignment length, depth, soil conditions and groundwater behavior.
Scorpion Arabia’s micro tunneling systems are designed to perform reliably across a wide range of geological conditions.
Our capability includes:
- Soft soil and marl formations
- Mixed ground conditions
- Rock formations with appropriate cutter heads
- High groundwater pressure environments
By balancing slurry pressure, jacking forces and excavation rates, we maintain stability and accuracy throughout the drive.
Our fleet allows us to match equipment precisely to project requirements.
| Diameter | Ground Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 70” | Soft / Marl | 1 |
| 60” | Soft / Rock | 3 |
| 60” | Rock | 1 |
| 48” | Rock | 1 |
| 48” | Soft / Marl | 3 |
| 36” | Soft / Marl | 2 |
| 30” | Soft / Marl | 2 |
Equipment selection is based on pipe diameter, drive length, ground conditions and groundwater pressure.
Micro tunneling is rarely executed in isolation.
At Scorpion Arabia, tunneling works are coordinated with:
- Pipeline construction planning
- Pipeline spacers and alignment control
- Pipe jacking and casing systems
- Sand / soil stabilization
- Composite wrapping and coating protection
This integrated approach ensures seamless transition from tunneling to operational pipeline performance.
Micro tunneling involves significant geotechnical and operational risk if not properly controlled.
Scorpion Arabia manages these risks through:
- Project-specific method statements
- Continuous monitoring of alignment and jacking forces
- Ground pressure and slurry control
- Strict HSE compliance and supervision
Our objective is predictable execution with zero surprises.
Clients trust Scorpion Arabia because we combine engineering control with disciplined execution.
- Deep experience in precision tunneling
- Remote-controlled, slurry-based systems
- Capability under groundwater and depth constraints
- Integrated pipeline and protection expertise
- Strong safety and quality culture
Need Absolute Precision Below Ground?
If your project demands millimetre-level accuracy, controlled tunneling and reliable performance under complex ground conditions, our micro tunneling specialists are ready to support you.