When it comes to underground construction, what you can’t see can absolutely hurt you. That’s why trenchless construction site inspections have become an essential safeguard for utility owners, contractors, municipalities, and legal teams alike. These inspections ensure that complex, no-dig utility projects—like those involving gas, water, fiber optic, and sewer systems—are done right, up to code, and backed by expert analysis if disputes arise. At Discovery Experts, we provide in-depth inspection services and expert witness support for trenchless construction projects nationwide. Whether you’re working on a directional drilling installation or investigating a pipe bursting failure, we deliver insight that stands up in court and in the field.
Trenchless construction isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental shift in how infrastructure is built beneath our feet. Instead of tearing up roads, sidewalks, or landscapes, trenchless methods install or replace pipelines and conduits with minimal surface disruption. This approach is widely used for installing utilities such as sewer, water, electric, and fiber optic lines.
So, why are inspections necessary? Because while the surface stays intact, critical problems can still lurk below. Issues like pipe misalignment, incomplete grouting, or unapproved materials might not be visible from above, but they can lead to costly repairs—or worse, dangerous failures—down the line.
Inspections help:
In short, trenchless site inspections help protect your investment—and your reputation.
Trenchless construction isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several specialized methods used depending on the project scope, soil conditions, and utility type. Each technique introduces unique inspection challenges that require equally specialized knowledge and tools.
Every technique has its risks, and each inspection must adapt accordingly. That’s where having an experienced, method-specific inspection team makes all the difference.
Let’s face it—not every trenchless project goes smoothly. When problems surface (even if the pipes don’t), disputes over responsibility can quickly turn into litigation. That’s when having an expert witness in trenchless inspection becomes essential.
At Discovery Experts, we offer litigation support rooted in engineering expertise. Our team has testified in disputes involving everything from utility damage claims to construction defects and environmental violations. But we don’t just show up in court—we help you build the case from day one.
Take a city’s sewer relining project that collapsed a few weeks after completion. Was it a faulty liner? Improper curing? Or perhaps a contractor skipping key steps? Without expert evaluation, it’s just finger-pointing. But with a qualified expert witness, facts take center stage.
Our services include:
For details about how we assist legal teams, visit our Deposition, Mediation, Arbitration & Trial page.
Inspection of trenchless projects goes far beyond a quick walk-through. Today’s tools make it possible to assess everything from bore depth to pipeline integrity—without even touching the surface. But knowing how to use those tools (and how to interpret the results) is where true expertise comes in.
All inspections are conducted using nationally recognized protocols. We commonly use:
Whether we’re inspecting a pipeline for a petroleum distributor or a fiber optic conduit for a telecom company, our findings are detailed, standardized, and court-ready.
Would you trust a general contractor to evaluate a directional drilling failure? Probably not. Trenchless inspection demands specialized experience, field knowledge, and often, a background in engineering or construction forensics.
At Discovery Experts, our team includes:
What makes us stand out is our ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, compelling explanations—for courts, insurers, or city councils. It’s one thing to spot a defect; it’s another to explain it in plain language and tie it to a root cause.
In a field where mistakes can literally stay buried until it’s too late, Discovery Experts provides the insight, accuracy, and experience to get it right from the start—or to uncover what went wrong after the fact.
Why Our Clients Choose Us:
From municipalities dealing with aging sewer systems to contractors defending against defect claims, we bring clarity to underground challenges.
Our trenchless inspection team has helped:
Each case shared a common thread: complex subsurface work, high stakes, and a need for experienced analysis. Our team delivered results that made a difference.
Trenchless construction may be hidden from view, but its impact is massive. Whether you’re planning an HDD project, investigating a utility failure, or navigating a legal claim, professional inspection and expert support can save time, money, and risk.
Need accurate trenchless construction site inspection backed by litigation-grade insight?
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.