- Call or Text:
- 951-760-1866
Trenchless construction has transformed how we install and maintain underground utilities. Whether it’s water, gas, fiber optics, or sewer lines, these no-dig methods let crews work below the surface with minimal disruption to roads, businesses, and neighborhoods. But what happens when things go wrong—when a bore veers off-course, a conduit gets damaged, or the ground gives way unexpectedly? That’s when trenchless construction incident analysis becomes essential. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in unraveling the complex failures that can happen during trenchless operations. Our experts work closely with legal teams, insurance carriers, municipalities, and contractors to figure out exactly what went wrong, why it happened, and who may be responsible. From minor disruptions to major infrastructure damage, our team brings deep technical insight and legal fluency to every case.
Not all trenchless techniques carry the same risks, but every method has potential failure points. Let’s look at a few that frequently show up in incident investigations.
Think about what’s under our streets: power lines, gas mains, water and sewer pipes, storm drains, communication conduits, and even petroleum lines. In congested areas, these systems can be stacked within inches of each other. Trenchless construction has to thread the needle between them.
When something goes wrong, the damage can be catastrophic. A bore that nicks a gas main can cause an explosion. A pipe burst that weakens the soil may create a sinkhole. A fractured telecom conduit could knock out internet service for an entire city block.
And these aren’t just repair issues—they often trigger lawsuits, insurance claims, regulatory penalties, or public outrage. Our role is to assess the extent of the damage, analyze contributing factors, and clearly communicate how the failure unfolded. Our clients depend on our ability to connect the dots—and fast.
Need support with a utility damage case? Our specialists understand the full range of underground infrastructure and how each system can be impacted by trenchless methods.
Trenchless incidents often become legal or financial battles. One side claims contractor error; the other blames poor records or third-party interference. When the stakes involve hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars, expert testimony is a must.
That’s why we serve as expert witnesses for trenchless construction cases. We don’t just offer opinions—we offer carefully documented findings backed by engineering science and real-world experience. Our reports are clear, court-ready, and built to hold up under cross-examination.
In one recent case, a directional drill ruptured a sewer main beneath a commercial plaza. The builder blamed inaccurate locates. We reviewed the bore path, compared it to utility maps, and demonstrated how bore tracking software was misused—shifting liability from the locator to the contractor.
In another case, a pipe ramming operation damaged a petroleum line, causing a hazardous materials spill. Our analysis identified that bore pressure limits were exceeded, and monitoring protocols were ignored. This helped the client recover six figures in remediation costs.
These cases aren’t just technical puzzles—they’re human stories with high stakes.
So what makes a trenchless expert… well, an expert?
At Discovery Experts, our professionals have backgrounds in civil and geotechnical engineering, construction management, and utility design. Many hold PE licenses and certifications from organizations like ASTM, ASCE, and NASTT. But credentials are just the start.
What sets us apart is hands-on experience. Our experts have been in the field, worked with HDD rigs, reviewed bore tracking data, and managed real-world trenchless projects. They understand the nuance of subsurface conditions, equipment limitations, and construction logistics.
Visit our construction damage dispute experts page to learn more about the team’s qualifications and technical credentials.
As trenchless methods become more popular, the technology is evolving fast. Digital bore tracking, real-time pressure monitoring, and 3D subsurface modeling are raising the bar. But not everyone is keeping up.
We still see contractors using outdated utility maps or skipping crucial soil tests. We’ve consulted on projects where bore paths were guessed—yes, guessed—without proper GIS support. These shortcuts lead to failure, and failure leads to litigation.
So what are the best practices? Always perform thorough utility locates. Validate soil conditions. Monitor bore pressure and torque in real time. And most importantly, keep records. Good documentation can be your best defense in court.
Our experts stay ahead of the curve by contributing to industry guidelines and offering training on safe, compliant trenchless execution.
We’re proud to support construction companies, law firms, engineering consultants, and insurers with reliable trenchless incident investigations. Our clients include:
Whether your issue involves a simple conduit strike or a multi-utility disaster, we have the knowledge and the tools to help resolve it efficiently and accurately.
If you’re dealing with a trenchless construction issue, now’s the time to get the facts straight. Discovery Experts is here to provide objective, defensible, and timely analysis that helps you make informed decisions—whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending one.
Don’t wait until the paperwork piles up or the litigation heats up. Contact our team for a consultation and find out how we can bring clarity and confidence to your case.
Discovery Experts, led by founder Brian H. Aanestad, is your premier source for expert witness services in construction and transportation. With over 39 years of experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to every challenge, ensuring excellence is always the standard.