Forensic Subsurface Engineering Specialists for Vision 2030 Infrastructure.
KSA Technical Branch
EG CORE is a premier provider of microtunneling and pipe jacking services across Saudi Arabia. Our technical expertise allows us to install critical infrastructure beneath Giga-project sites, highways, and existing industrial complexes without surface disruption. By utilizing high-capacity hydraulic jacking systems and remote-controlled laser guidance, we achieve sub-millimeter precision for utility corridors, gravity sewers, and large-diameter water mains.
Our strength lies in an adaptable engineering methodology. Whether a project requires a Closed Face Slurry TBM for the coastal aquifers of Jeddah or an Open Face setup for the hard limestone of Riyadh, our forensic approach ensures risk mitigation before the first segment is jacked. We manage the entire lifecycle, from launch shaft construction to advanced lubrication management of the pipeline string.
This recent drive serves as a definitive example of EG CORE's ability to overcome unforeseen geological resistance in the Arabian Shield. The project required the installation of a 1.2-meter diameter pipeline over a continuous 800-meter drive length.
The Geological Challenge: During the drive, the team encountered a significant stretch of high-density volcanic rock strata that was not fully characterized in the initial soil reports. Standard mechanical cutters stalled as the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) increased beyond expected limits.
The Manual Breakthrough: Utilizing our Open Face methodology, we deployed specialized crews inside the shield to perform targeted manual excavation using pneumatic hammers (jackhammers). This "hand-mining" precision within the safety of the shield allowed us to fracture and remove rock obstacles that would have compromised a standard slurry machine. Combined with high-performance bentonite lubrication to manage friction on the 800m string, we successfully completed the drive with 100% alignment accuracy. This demonstrates our readiness to use adaptive manual techniques to solve the Kingdom's most difficult subsurface challenges.
EG CORE maintains a diverse fleet of equipment capable of tackling the varied soil profiles found throughout KSA. From the expansive clays of the interior to the hard rock plateaus and coastal sands, we select the machine that balances production speed with structural safety.
Our Open Face Microtunneling is particularly effective in high-stakes Saudi projects where undocumented obstructions—such as abandoned concrete structures or massive boulders—can halt a drive. Because the face is accessible, our engineers can clear the path manually, reducing the risk of "stuck" machines and ensuring that mega-projects remain on their aggressive Vision 2030 schedules.
| Engineering Aspect | Closed Face (Slurry) | EG CORE Open Face (Manual) |
|---|---|---|
| Groundwater Management | Full Pressure Control | Requires Dewatering/Grouting |
| Rock Obstructions | Mechanical Crushers | Manual Jackhammer Removal |
| Drive Accuracy | Laser-Guided Guidance | Laser-Guided Guidance |
| Typical Saudi Soil | Coastal Sand / High Water Table | Limestone / Dry Rock / Shale |
| Intervention | Chamber Entry Only | Direct Face Access |
Underground engineering in the Kingdom is a forensic science. With significant regional experience, we understand the specific friction coefficients and thermal impacts on jacking pipes. By combining manual expertise with modern hydraulic jacking, we ensure that your utility infrastructure is installed safely and accurately, preserving the surface integrity of Saudi Arabia’s new urban landscapes.
