This 2025 technical guide compares overhead, direct burial, trenchless, and 4 other pipeline laying methods, with detailed analysis of their engineering advantages, corrosion risks, and ideal applications for PVC/PPR/HDPE pipes in agriculture, chemical, and municipal projects. Includes industry case studies.
What are the common pipeline [laying methods]?
To summarize the common pipeline laying methods, there are mainly overhead laying, direct burial laying, trench laying, trenchless laying, common trench laying, tunnel laying, underwater laying, etc., which are introduced one by one below.
1. Overhead laying
The laying above the ground is generally called overhead laying, which is mostly used in urban edges, areas without residential buildings and industrial plants.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Overhead laying pipelines are not affected by groundwater erosion, have a long service life, are easy to ensure the slope of the pipeline, and have a small amount of earthwork, making maintenance and management convenient.
However, since the pipeline is exposed on the surface, it is easy to oxidize and corrode, and is vulnerable to natural disasters such as ice and snow, floods, and even human activities.
Suitable pipeline types: gas pipelines, thermal pipelines, etc.
2. Direct burial laying
Introduction:
Direct burial laying is referred to as direct burial, that is, direct burial. It refers to the laying method of burying the pipeline directly in the soil through excavation, and the burial depth is generally less than 3m.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Make full use of underground space, make the surface space relatively simple, and do not need support measures, but the direct buried pipeline is easy to be corroded, which brings certain difficulties to the inspection and maintenance of the pipeline.
Suitable pipeline types: water supply and drainage pipelines, gas pipelines, thermal pipelines, power cable pipelines, etc.
3. Pipeline trench laying
Pipe trench laying refers to digging a trench on the ground, placing the pipeline in it, and then covering and filling the trench.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Higher safety and stability, can provide better pipeline support and protection, reduce the risk of external damage, but the project volume is large, the construction difficulty is high, and the cost is high.
Suitable pipeline types: water supply and drainage pipelines, gas pipelines and other pipelines that require higher stability and safety.
(Pay special attention to the difference between trench laying and direct burial laying. Direct burial laying is to bury the pipeline or cable directly in the soil without the need to build trenches. The amount of earthwork and civil engineering is small, the workload of on-site installation is reduced, and the construction progress is fast; while trench laying requires first digging the trench, then laying the pipeline or cable, and finally backfilling.)
4. Trenchless laying
Trenchless refers to the use of various rock and soil drilling equipment and technical means, through guidance, directional drilling, etc., in the case of excavation of a very small part of the surface (generally refers to a small area of excavation at the entrance and exit), to lay, replace and repair various underground pipelines.
Advantages and disadvantages:
It will not hinder traffic, will not damage green space, will not affect the normal life and work order of residents, and solve the damage and adverse effects of traditional excavation construction on traffic, environment, and surrounding building foundations; the disadvantages are that the construction is difficult, the cycle is long, and the cost is high.
Suitable pipeline types: water supply and drainage pipelines, gas pipelines, power pipelines, communication pipelines, etc.
5. Common trench laying (comprehensive trench laying or comprehensive corridor)
Refers to the structure and its ancillary equipment (also known as common trench or comprehensive corridor) set under the road to accommodate more than two public and municipal pipelines, which brings together some or all of the various underground pipelines such as electricity, telecommunications, heat, water supply, recycled water, gas, etc. that are scattered and independently buried underground into a common underground corridor for joint maintenance and centralized management.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Reduce interference with traffic and residents' travel, maintain the integrity and beauty of the road, reduce the cost of later maintenance and operation, effectively utilize underground space, and save urban land. However, the one-time infrastructure investment is high, and the pipelines of various projects are combined together, which is prone to interference, and strict safety management measures must be formulated.
Suitable pipeline types: basically suitable for all types of pipelines.
6. Tunnel laying
Tunnel laying is a way to directly lay pipeline lines in underground tunnels, which is suitable for subways, highways, urban rail transit and other places.
Advantages and disadvantages:
The advantages of tunnel laying are high safety, little impact on the natural environment, and no impact on traffic, crowds, and urban landscapes. However, the construction is difficult and the cost is high.
Suitable pipeline types: mostly used for power pipelines, communication pipelines, etc.
7. Underwater laying
Underwater laying is a way to lay pipelines, cables, optical cables, etc. directly on the underwater part.
Advantages and disadvantages:
The advantages of underwater laying are environmental protection, high resource utilization, and high safety. However, underwater laying is more difficult and needs to take into account natural factors such as water flow and seabed, so the laying cost is also relatively high.
Suitable pipeline types: mostly used for submarine cables, underwater oil and gas pipelines, etc.
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