What Is Jack and Bore (Auger Boring)?

Jack and bore — also known as auger boring or pipe jacking — is a trenchless underground crossing method used to install large-diameter steel casings or pipes beneath highways, railroads, and major infrastructure where open excavation is not permitted or practical. The process uses hydraulic jacks to push a steel casing through the ground while a rotating auger inside the casing removes the soil as the pipe advances.

Boring Bros LLC specializes in jack and bore operations across Alabama for ALDOT highway crossings, CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad crossings, municipal road crossings, and other large-diameter underground installations. Our experienced crews operate heavy auger boring machines capable of handling casings up to 48 inches in diameter and crossing distances of several hundred feet.

The Jack and Bore Process

Step 1: Jacking Pit Excavation

A jacking pit is excavated on the entry side of the crossing, sized to accommodate the auger boring machine, casing sections, and spoil removal equipment. A thrust block or reaction wall is constructed to transfer the hydraulic jacking forces into the ground. Boring Bros LLC carefully calculates pit dimensions based on casing diameter, bore length, and soil conditions at each Alabama job site.

Step 2: Auger Boring and Casing Advancement

The auger boring machine rotates the auger string while hydraulic cylinders push the lead steel casing into the ground. Soil is carried back through the auger to the jacking pit for removal. Casing sections are welded together as the bore advances. The process is continuous and precise, allowing the bore path to follow the designed grade and alignment.

Step 3: Carrier Pipe Installation and Grouting

After the steel casing is in place, the carrier pipe — whether water main, gas line, sewer force main, or conduit bundle — is installed inside the casing with casing spacers and end seals. The annular space between the casing and carrier pipe is typically grouted to prevent movement and groundwater infiltration, completing the crossing installation.

Jack and Bore Applications in Alabama

• ALDOT Highway Crossings — Steel casing installations under Alabama state highways and US routes per ALDOT specifications
• Railroad Crossings — Auger bores under active railroad tracks per railroad company permit requirements
• Interstate Highway Crossings — Large-diameter casing installations under I-20, I-65, I-85, I-59, I-10, and other Alabama interstates
• Municipal Road Crossings — City and county road crossings where open-cut is not permitted
• Water Main Crossings — Large-diameter water transmission main installations under major roadways
• Sewer Crossings — Gravity sewer and force main crossings beneath highways and railroads
• Gas Transmission Crossings — High-pressure gas pipeline casing installations under protected right-of-way

Jack and Bore Equipment Capabilities

Boring Bros LLC operates auger boring machines capable of the following in Alabama soil conditions:

• Casing diameters from 6 inches to 48 inches
• Bore lengths up to 400+ feet in favorable soil conditions
• Compatible with soft clay, sandy loam, silty clay, and moderate hardpan soils
• Laser-guided alignment systems for precision grade control
• Full utility pre-clearance using GPR utility locating

Jack and Bore vs. HDD: When to Choose Auger Boring

Jack and bore is the preferred method over HDD for crossings requiring large-diameter steel casing, where ALDOT or railroad permits specify casing pipe, or where soil conditions are not suitable for HDD. Auger boring provides a rigid steel casing that protects the carrier pipe and meets DOT and railroad specifications for highway and rail crossings in Alabama.

Service Areas for Jack and Bore in Alabama

Boring Bros LLC provides jack and bore services statewide, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Decatur, Auburn, Dothan, Hoover, Madison, and every county across Alabama. We handle all permitting coordination with ALDOT and railroad companies.