Introduction

Pipe ramming involves the use of the dynameic force and energy transmitted by a percussion hammer attached to the end of a pipe. The basic procedure generally comprises ramming a steel pipe through the soil by using an air compressor. Pipe ramming permits the installation of large steel casings in a wide range of soil conditions. It provides continuous casing support during the drive with no over excavation, and it does not require the jetting action action of water or drilling fluids.

Pipe ramming is most valuable for installing larger pipes over shorter distances and for installations at shallower depths. A further application of pipe ramming is the installation of steel pipes to form a roof support for tunnel construction beneath an existing infrastructure such as railroad tracks.