Behavior of Surrounding Soil and Reduction of Friction Resistance in Underground Pipe Jacking of Bangkok Clay

Abstract

Pipe jacking is a trenchless process for laying of pipes. Successful pipe jacking requires a low skin friction resistance between jacked pipe and surrounding soil. This is accomplished with well-planned lubrication. However, the behavior of surrounding soil should be understood before applying any lubrication. This paper demonstrates the results of a series of experiment carried out to investigate the behavior of surrounding soil. The new approach for lubricant injection is introduced in this paper. In addition, two field cases were carefully selected to check out the capability of a new approach. As a result, the new approach represented a greater satisfaction up to 45 percent reduction of skin friction resistance comparing to the existing and prevalent method which is indicated that the new approach has higher efficiency.