Pardon my trench: reflections on the uptake of trenchless technologies in the Norwegian water sector

Abstract

Trenchless pipe renewal can be a more cost-, time- and environmentally effective alternative to traditional open-cut replacement. It reduces service disruptions for surrounding infrastructures and is often cheaper, especially when extensive excavation works are necessary, particularly in cold climates, like Norway, where trenches are traditionally deep due to frost security requirements. Still, the uptake of trenchless technologies is still limited in the Norwegian market. In this study, interviews were conducted with representative actors in the Norwegian water industry (water utilities, contractors, and consultants), with the aim of revealing how the technology for renewal of pipes is selected in the planning phase and identifying hindering and enabling factors for trenchless technology uptake in the market. Factors identified include market conservativism, lack of trust between stakeholders, missing guidelines about the distribution of risk, lack of knowledge/specialization in utilities and consultant offices, and issues pertaining to the project delivery method and tendering process. These factors indicate which measures could be implemented to increase the uptake of trenchless technologies in the Norwegian and similar markets. Suggested measures include strengthening the position of stakeholder independent trade organization, facilitating cooperation between smaller utilities and adapting the tendering process to better reflect the requirements of the projects.