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Test Methods and Specifications

Cover of Microtunnelling and Auger Boring
Microtunnelling and Auger Boring
  • Publication no: ATS-4541-26
  • Published: 4 June 2026
  • Edition: 1.3

Austroads Technical Specification ATS 4541 sets out the requirements for the installation of pipes by Microtunnelling or Auger Boring, which are types of trenchless technology that are launched from an excavated pit. The pipes may be for the purpose of moving fluids or gases or for the protection of telecommunications/electrical cables.

The technical specification can also be downloaded as a Word document.

Edition 1.3 includes:

  • Clause 7.5: clarification of settlement/movement analysis required
  • Clause 7.10: new clause added for confirmations required from the utility owners further to ATS 1330
  • Clause 7.26 a)v): addition of the words ‘including a plot of predicted settlement that shows the position of Existing Infrastructure.’
  • Clause 9.11: removal of the words ‘If nothing is specified in the Design Documentation, the Outer Annulus Space must not be filled with grout,’ and clarification of the first sentence.
  • Table 10.4: additional information on permissible deformation values added in Note.

Superseded editions

Edition 1.2 published February 2026

Edition 1.1 published November 2025

Edition 1.0 published September 2025

  • 1. Scope
  • 2. Referenced Documents
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Quality System Requirements
  • 5. Personnel
  • 6. Project Preliminaries
    • Construction Risk Management
    • Environmental Management
  • 7. Design
    • General
    • Utility Location
    • Alignment
    • Minimum Depth Below Roads
    • Design Documentation
    • Submission of Design Documentation to the Principal
  • 8. Materials
    • Pipes
    • Certification of Material Conformance
  • 9. Construction
    • General
    • Overcut Allowance
    • Monitoring of the Position of the Bore
    • Grouting of the Outer Annulus Space
    • Grouting of the Inner Annulus Space
  • 10. Conformity
    • Construction Tolerances
    • Settlement and Heave
  • 11. Instrumentation and Monitoring of Ground Deformation
  • 12. Completion of the Work
    • General
    • Records
  • Annexure A: Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records
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