

Microtunneling is a trenchless construction method used to install pipelines beneath highways, railroads, runways, harbors, rivers, and environmentally sensitive areas. For railway lines, the primary objective of the method is to address the challenges posed by the installation of utilities without disrupting rail operations. The aim is to minimize the impact on railway services, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of transportation while facilitating essential infrastructure development. Traditional excavation methods often involve significant ground disturbance and pose risks to the stability of the railway track, leading to service interruptions and safety hazards. Microtunneling, on the other hand, offers a non-disruptive alternative by utilizing advanced tunneling equipment that minimizes ground settlement and vibration, reducing the risk of damage to the railway structure. The technique involves the use of remotely controlled boring machines to excavate tunnels with precision, allowing for the installation of pipelines or other utilities with minimal impact on the railway infrastructure above. The aim is to achieve a seamless integration of new underground utilities while maintaining the structural integrity and operational functionality of the railway line. Furthermore, microtunneling under a railway line contributes to sustainable development by minimizing the environmental footprint associated with construction activities. The reduced excavation and disturbance to the surrounding environment lead to lower levels of noise, dust, and disruption, aligning with modern principles of environmentally conscious infrastructure development. In this study, the installation of a sewage pipeline constructed by microtunneling under an existing railway track is investigated using geotechnical and structural FEM.