(NWPX Infrastructure: Vancouver, WA) -- NWPX Infrastructure, a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products, announced the successful completion of the first field installation of its patent-pending Permalok Radial Bending Joint, a breakthrough technology that allows steel casing pipe to be installed along intentionally curved alignments during microtunneling operations.

The first installation of the Permalok Radial Bending Joint featured 72 in. OD casing pipe manufactured by Northwest Pipe Co., providing the flexibility needed to achieve a 5,500 ft-radius curved alignment. The Permalok Radial Bending Joint casing pipe enabled construction crews to navigate a tight footprint in a densely populated neighborhood and successfully intercepted an abandoned tunnel beneath New Jersey’s Pleasure Bay from the original tunnel exit shaft.

Developed internally by the company, the Radial Bending Joint retains the advantages of Permalok’s proven press-fit connection system, including weld-free installation, reduced field labor requirements, and compatibility with existing microtunneling boring machines and jacking systems.

Steel casing pipe used in microtunneling applications to this point has been limited to straight-line installations, requiring engineers to design projects around existing underground obstacles, utilities, waterways, and infrastructure. The Permalok Radial Bending Joint technology allows steel casing pipe to follow controlled horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and compound curves while maintaining the structural integrity and installation efficiency of traditional steel microtunneling.

“This is one of the most significant advancements in steel microtunneling in decades,” says Scott Montross, president and chief executive officer of NWPX. “The successful installation of the Radial Bending Joint demonstrates that curved steel microtunneling is no longer a concept but a proven reality. We now have field-proven technology that can fundamentally expand the possibilities for infrastructure projects that were previously too complex, too disruptive, or too costly to construct.”

The installation in New Jersey was part of an emergency wastewater infrastructure project for the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority and consisted of approximately 1,290 linear ft of 72 in. steel casing pipe installed along a 5,500-ft-radius curved alignment, providing a critical solution for completing an emergency wastewater conveyance project after construction challenges interrupted a previously planned tunnel. The project was designed by Hazen and Sawyer and was installed by Northeast Remsco Construction.

The successful installation represents a significant milestone for NWPX Infrastructure. Its continued focus on innovation and reinforces the company’s leadership position in trenchless infrastructure.