Trenchless method that enables fast, low-disruption installations in urban environments

Designed for infrastructure projects requiring precision, speed, and low surface impact, HHB offers a reliable solution for casing installations.

Minimal Surface Disruption – Ideal for Roads, Railways, and Urban Areas

Because the HHB method pulls the casing from the front using percussive force, there’s no need for jacking pits, fluid management, or extensive site preparation. This significantly reduces the disturbance to traffic, utilities, and existing infrastructure—especially important in built-up areas and under active transportation corridors.

Fast Execution Supports Compressed Project Schedules

Installations can proceed at a steady rate—even through difficult ground conditions—allowing for faster completions compared to methods like microtunneling or pipe jacking. Typical progress rates range from 7 to 20 feet per hour depending on ground type, helping keep infrastructure projects on time and on budget.

Reliable Performance in Mixed and Unknown Ground

Geonex HHB is unaffected by transitions between hard rock, clay, cobbles, or boulders. The same tool setup is used throughout the bore, eliminating the need to plan for tooling changes or fallback methods. advantage in early-stage design and risk assessment.

Environmentally Responsible

The method uses only compressed air to operate, with no drilling fluids or slurry systems involved. Spoils are conveyed back through the casing via augers, ensuring clean, contained excavation. This minimizes environmental impact and makes the method suitable for water protection zones, wetlands, and other sensitive areas.

It’s not just about choosing a method that works – it’s about ensuring reliability, minimizing surface impact, and keeping projects on schedule.

Applications Across Industries and Environments

Infrastructure and Civil Engineering

Geonex’s technology is ideal for infrastructure projects where underground installations are needed without disrupting surface activities.

Energy and Utilities

The energy sector relies on secure, precise underground installations, especially for long-distance pipelines and cables.

Mining and Tunneling

In the mining industry, Geonex technology supports both surface and underground operations in extreme conditions.

Water and Wastewater Management

Efficient, trenchless solutions are critical for water supply and wastewater systems, especially in urban areas.

Environmental Engineering

Geonex’s precision is valuable for projects that require minimal environmental impact.

Telecommunications

Fast, reliable installation of fiber optic and communication cables is essential for expanding digital networks.

Boring rigs to match your trenchless project size

Horizontal Boring rig HZR220

The Geonex HZR220 is a compact yet powerful horizontal hammer boring rig, designed for urban infrastructure and tight job sites. With a drilling range from Ø139.7 mm to Ø323.9 mm, it delivers high precision and mobility without compromising performance—ideal for electric, cable, and small-diameter pipeline installations.
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Horizontal Boring rig HZR400

The Geonex HZR400 is a mid-sized horizontal hammer boring rig designed for infrastructure projects requiring casings from Ø168.3 mm to Ø508 mm. It offers the right combination of mobility, torque, and stability for crossings under roads, railways, and urban areas—especially where mixed ground or hard layers are present. Suitable for both utility contractors and municipalities looking for a dependable, all-purpose machine.
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Horizontal Boring rig HZR610

The Geonex HZR610 is a powerful and adaptable horizontal boring rig for large-diameter casing installations. Supporting diameters from Ø219.1 mm to Ø812.8 mm, it’s built to deliver high torque and reliable accuracy in longer crossings and heavier ground conditions. Whether you’re boring beneath highways, railways, rivers, or industrial zones, the HZR610 combines force, control, and versatility in one robust system.
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Horizontal Boring rig HZR1200

The Geonex HZR1200 is our largest and most powerful rig, purpose-built for large-diameter casing installations and long-distance crossings. With support for casing diameters from Ø406.4 mm to Ø1219.2 mm, the HZR1200 is ideal for major infrastructure and energy projects where high torque and precise control are essential—even in hard rock or mixed ground.
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This is how it works

  • Simple Setup with Minimal Surface Requirements

    The process begins with the excavation of a compact launch pit on one side of the alignment—often directly adjacent to the road or embankment. No thrust walls, concrete foundations, or large construction platforms are needed. The bore rig is stabilized using hydraulic jacklegs that allow precise alignment to the desired grade.

  • Pneumatic Hammer Positioned at the Bore Face

    Inside the first casing section, a pneumatically driven hammer is installed at the front. The hammer delivers percussive energy directly into the cutting head, which fractures and pulverizes the ground. This “pulls” the casing forward from the face, rather than pushing it from the rear—ensuring a straighter and more controlled bore path.

  • Spoil Removal via Auger Inside the Casing

    As the hammer advances, fragmented material is transported back to the launch pit through a rotating auger inside the steel casing. No ground displacement or drilling fluids are used, eliminating the risk of frac-outs and simplifying spoil management.

  • Segmental Casing Installation During Boring

    New casing sections are continuously welded to the previous one as the bore advances. The process maintains a sealed, supported tunnel throughout the entire installation. For a highway crossing, this means a full-length steel casing is installed beneath the road with no impact to traffic above.

  • Clean, Controlled Finish – Ready for Product Pipe

    Once the casing reaches the receiving side, the hammer and auger are removed. The bore is now complete—lined with steel, stable, and ready for the installation of the utility or product pipe. Since there’s no fluid use or ground swelling, surface settlement is virtually eliminated, making this method especially suitable for critical infrastructure like highways and railways.

Streamline Your Underground Installations with Geonex

 Request a consultation and see how Geonex can make the difference. Request a consultation