No-Dig Manhole Installation Using Hydro-Excavation

In order to keep communities functional, municipal professionals must have a safe, reliable entry point to access underground structures and utilities to perform inspections, maintenance and repairs. Using our one-of-a-kind Monoform HEX™ solution for new manhole installation in the Midwest and beyond, HK Solutions Group's manhole rehabilitation contractors perform quick, cost-effective manhole construction, granting utility workers access to underground infrastructure.

When working in sensitive industrial or municipal areas, our experts avoid traditional digging, instead using vacuum excavation—specifically hydro-excavation—as our preferred trenchless installation technique. Our hydro-excavation services are precise and limit disruption to surrounding areas.

How are manholes installed?

Hydro-excavation is an efficient, minimally invasive manhole installation method utilizing blasts of water to rupture large materials and debris, like soil and other underground materials. Once the area is less tightly packed, a vacuum removes all loose material, leaving an access point for contractors to complete manhole liner installation. As a no-dig, trenchless solution, hydro-excavation is often preferred for utilities installation over traditional excavations that require more destructive, potentially dangerous digging.

What are the benefits of hydro-excavation?

Because hydro-excavation can be completed without using chemicals or digging up the area, it’s much safer and less disruptive to the surrounding environment compared to traditional digging methods. Hydro-excavation is also quicker and more cost-effective because less labor and heavy equipment are involved.

HK’s experts choose hydro-excavation over other excavation methods because of the advanced precision available to perform our manhole lining installation process localized to the job site. City utilities remain intact, nearby landscaping is left undisturbed and you aren’t left with the cost of damaged terrain to redevelop. Our team of manhole rehabilitation specialists is ultra-efficient at installing and restoring access to critical industrial and municipal infrastructure for uninterrupted performance.

Ask Us About Our Hydro-Excavation Services

How We Use Our Hydro-Excavation Services for New Manhole Installation

Hydro-excavation reduces risk and allows technicians to complete meticulous manhole installations when working around delicate subsurface utilities. Combining our Monoform™ manhole lining solution with our hydro-excavation services, HK’s proprietary Monoform HEX™ allows us to place a new manhole without disrupting the surrounding area.

What is Monoform™?

Monoform™ is a no-dig manhole rehabilitation solution that creates a fully structural manhole within an existing structure using ABS plastic forms to mold a durable concrete liner in place. Monoform™ offers unrivaled longevity for the trenchless restoration of leaking, cracking and deteriorating manholes.

Off the success of our Monoform™ manhole rehab method, HK has since developed several additional fabricated manhole lining solutions: Monoform PLUS™ for corrosion-resistant manhole rehabilitation, Monoform HEX™ for new manhole installation and Monoform LIFT™ for raising and reinforcing manholes in delicate levee areas. HK's Monoform HEX™ is a trenchless manhole installation solution combining the proven process of Monoform™ with the power of hydro-excavation to create a brand new, fully structural manhole without disturbing surrounding land and sensitive subsurface infrastructure and utilities. To further support utility workers and industrial facilities, our team of experts is also extensively trained in multiple trenchless pipeline rehabilitation techniques to provide repairs throughout whole sewer systems.

The Monoform HEX™ Manhole Lining Process for Trenchless Utilities Access

Before municipal contractors can perform maintenance underground, they must have entry to the problem areas. Utilizing Monoform HEX™ in our manhole installation process ensures access for contractors to perform trenchless utility maintenance as needed.

Manhole Liner Installation Prep & Utility Locating

The HK team begins by surveying the buried pipeline with a camera and utility locator to determine the exact location and depth. Then, our team fabricates the exterior fiberglass form segments to accommodate the appropriate depth of the underground utility.

Excavation of the Area for Trenchless Manhole Installation

Because it relies on hydro-excavation, the Monoform HEX™ process is a safe and efficient trenchless construction method for new manhole installation. Learn more and see a step-by-step breakdown of the trenchless construction process in our video:

Step 1: Vacuum Excavation of the Pilot Hole

HK performs vacuum excavation of the pilot hole to loosen material and remove debris preventing access to underground utilities. Our manhole rehabilitation contractors then vacuum out the materials.

Step 2: Confirm Location of Pipeline

Our crews confirm they have found the pipeline and identify that they are at the precise location needed to install the access manhole.

Step 3: Place Manhole Outer Forms

Before placing this form, the crew will ensure a level starting pad. The outer form is then placed within the excavated area. These outer forms will serve as the outline for the manhole and ensure the concrete sets in the right position.

Step 4: Perform Hydro-Excavation Within the Outer Form

After placing the outer form, hydro-excavation is performed within the structure to keep the process contained. A second outer form is then placed and hydro-excavation continues until the collector piping is exposed. When this point is reached, it’s time to begin the Monoform™ manhole liner installation process.

Step 5: Manhole Lining & Construction

The manhole base concrete is poured and the flow channel is formed. After the manhole base form is placed, the interior manhole wall is formed via two concrete pours. Next, forms are placed for the exterior section of the manhole and more concrete is poured. Finally, the prefabricated flat top and manhole cover are placed and installed. The HK team wraps up the project by performing soil stabilization grouting around the exterior of the newly installed access manhole along with minor landscaping to clean up the surrounding area.

Applications for Our Monoform HEX™ Manhole Installation Solution

Monoform HEX™ is an ideal solution for installing access manholes in areas that are sensitive to open excavations, such as:

  • Levees
  • Rail yards
  • Power plants
  • Heavy industrial facilities
  • And more

Frozen ground is no problem when it comes to the Monoform HEX™ process. Our manhole lining experts are prepared for manhole installation all year round.

Contact HK to Learn More About Our Monoform™ Solutions for Manhole Rehabilitation & Installation

For more information about HK's Monoform™, Monoform PLUS™ or Monoform HEX™ solutions for trenchless manhole rehab and installation, reach out to our team of seasoned professionals. In addition to our manhole lining services, we’re fully equipped to service whole sewer systems throughout the Midwest and beyond, including sanitary sewer maintenance and inspections. Give us a call at (855) 845-5326 to connect with our team today.

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