Innovations in underground infrastructure

For a decade now, the family business has also continued to specialize in trenchless pipe renovation. Due to the ever-increasing scope of these works, Smet-Tunnelling has been split into two divisions: Tunnelling and Pipe Renovation. An interview with those in charge of these divisions about the latest developments and interesting projects.

Smet-Tunnelling started some ten years ago with the application of cold techniques to repair damage to existing sewers. "We have continued to specialize in this market and in the meantime we can offer almost any solution, including the placement of scale sections or the application of sprayed concrete," says Gert Van Gorp in charge of the pipe renovation division. "Especially as far as renovation is concerned, every problem is unique and requires a specific solution or sometimes even a combination of solutions."

Waterworks renovation

Relatively new to the world of pipe renovation are water mains and pressure pipes in need of repair. It is a market still in its infancy, according to Van Gorp. "It often requires the same technique as sewer renovation, but different (read: higher) quality requirements are imposed on a water or pressure pipe. We have the solutions for that too. Furthermore, if necessary, we can easily switch from one technique to another. If a pipeline cannot be repaired or an area proves to be inaccessible, we can always call on our Tunneling division and vice versa. This is also how the Pipeline Renovation Division came into being, to be able to relieve the client from start to finish. Once a pipe is installed by the Tunnelling Division, we can also maintain and repair it."

Pipe-bursting

Whereas the Pipeline Renovation Division operates mainly in the Benelux, the Tunneling Division operates throughout Europe. "For example, several projects are now underway in Denmark, Switzerland and Germany," says Wouter Roels, responsible for the Tunnelling division. "One of our best-known activities is realizing pipe jacking with an open or closed front, also known as microtunnelling. These horizontal bores range in diameters from 400 to 4,000 millimeters internally. In addition, we specialize in jacking prefab (tunnel) tubes or bridges in concrete and/or steel, provide so-called auger drilling and are active in pipe bursting. The latter is a technique more akin to the renovation division. At the end of its service life, we can push the pipe away into the surrounding soil by pipe-bursting and at the same time retract a new pipe. Then it comes full circle."

Smet-Tunnelling techniques lend themselves to a very wide range of applications for underground construction that are burningly topical. "Think of climate adaptation programs to buffer rainwater locally as much as possible or the Blue Deal, measures to minimize risks of water shortage and flooding according to the Flemish Climate Adaptation Plan 2021-2030. In addition, our techniques are being used to improve wastewater, which must have a certain level of purification by 2027 according to European standards, for energy transition and for underground logistics transport. We also realize so-called tube roofs with contiguously drilled tubes, serving as roof plates for underground construction of subway and train stations, bicycle tunnels or parking lots. The possibilities are endless and friendlier than the classic cut-and-cover methods. We don't always choose the easiest way, but the most optimal customized solution."