A parametric study of underground utility infrastructure in China

Rapid economic growth in China has lead to the increase in the installation of underground utility infrastructure across the country. Major international events including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai have spearheaded this growth. As a result, trenchless technology has seen an increase in application due to its minimal impact on the environment, increased productivity, cost effectiveness, and worker safety. For example, there are currently over 5,200 horizontal directional drill rigs in operation from approximately 30 Chinese manufacturers. This paper presents the results of a survey questionnaire distributed to 58 professionals in the underground utility including contractors, designers, manufacturers, agencies, and research institutions. Information on trenchless construction methods utilized, pipe materials, industry sector involvement, origin of equipment, and method for detecting existing underground utilities was solicited. Additionally, influence factors inherent to trenchless construction were quantified based on practitioner sector. Existing utilities and experience of personnel were found to be the most critical factors when assessing an underground utility infrastructure project. These were closely followed by equipment capacity and soil features. Understanding the perception of practitioners should lead to more success underground utility infrastructure projects in China.