Ground-Based Rocket Test in an Open Field

As part of the practical exercise in the course “Utility Infrastructure and Networks” (Part 2, Summer Semester 2025) in the Master’s program in Civil Engineering at the University of Siegen, students were shown how to lay pipes using trenchless technology.

In this exercise, “trenchless” refers to “driving” a soil displacement hammer (earth rocket) under a stone pavement. A cable protection pipe is pulled in while driving in reverse (a natural gas or drinking water line, such as a PE 100 DA32/25 service connection, could also be used). Due to the “embankment-like” layout of the “construction site,” setting up “start” and “end pits” is relatively simple (cf. Experiment 2022 at the test stand). The advantages of trenchless construction are clearly evident; safety guidelines and application limits were discussed, as were the additional possibilities offered by other methods (HDD flush drilling, press drilling, etc.).