Test Methods and Specifications

Cover of Microtunnelling and Auger Boring
Microtunnelling and Auger Boring
  • Publication no: ATS-4541-25
  • Published: 26 November 2025
  • Edition: 1.1
  • Superseded

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 1.1 published November 2025

Edition 1.1 amends:

  • Clause 11.5 – Removal of word ‘critical’ from drilling activities. Change in Table number to 11.5.

Superseded editions

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