No Dig Ltd

Pipe Ramming

Steel Casing Installation

Pipe Ramming

Pipe Ramming uses pneumatic force to drive steel casing through the ground from a launch position, often below roads, rail or structures.

Pipe ramming cutaway showing pneumatic ram driving steel casing through the ground

What Is Pipe Ramming?

Pipe Ramming is a trenchless casing installation method. A pneumatic ram applies repeated force to drive steel pipe or casing through the ground.

It is a robust method and is often considered where a steel casing is needed and where the installation can be driven from a prepared launch area.

How It Works

The steel casing is positioned and aligned, then connected to the ramming equipment. The casing is driven through the ground while spoil is managed during or after the drive depending on the setup.

Accurate preparation matters. The launch area, casing alignment and equipment support all affect the quality of the installation.

When It Is Used

Pipe Ramming is often used for crossings and casing routes where open excavation is not practical.

It can be useful under roads, tracks, rail corridors or hardstanding, subject to ground conditions, access and route constraints.

Typical Applications

  • Steel casing installation
  • Road and rail crossings
  • Utility sleeves
  • Short to medium trenchless routes

Site Considerations

  • Casing diameter and length
  • Launch alignment
  • Ground type and obstructions
  • Receiving arrangements
  • Noise, vibration and access constraints

Benefits

  • Robust steel casing installation
  • Reduces open excavation along the route
  • Works from focused access areas
  • Useful for crossings and constrained routes

Related Case Studies

Colchester Pipe Ramming case study image

Case Study

Colchester Pipe Ramming

60 metres of 324mm OD pipe ramming works at Colchester.

View Case Study

Pipe Ramming And Pipe Jacking case study image

Case Study

Pipe Ramming And Pipe Jacking

A related project involving pipe ramming and pipe jacking.

View Case Study

What Information Should You Provide?

Useful enquiry information includes the project location, route length, pipe or duct size, depth, ground details if known, access points, drawings and site photos where available.

The more practical information you can share, the easier it is to identify whether Pipe Ramming or another no-dig method may be suitable.

Planning Pipe Ramming Works?

Send the project location, route length, pipe or duct size, depth, ground details, access points, drawings and site photos where available. No Dig Ltd can help identify whether this method is suitable.

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