Client: Tesla Inc.
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Project Value: $31.5m (USD)
Description: Design and build of extensive wastewater tunnels and shafts to supports Tesla’s Giga Factory expansion.
The Project included trenchless microtunnelling and integration with the existing City of Austin sewer infrastructure, involving 642 linear feet of 48” RCP lined with 24” FRPM and 3,609 linear feet of 72” RCP lined with 60” FRPM, along with four shafts of varying sizes and depths. It utilised trenchless microtunnelling with Herrenknecht AVN 1200 and AVN 1800 machines, employing RC jacking pipe and a mixed face cutterhead suited to ground conditions, which included clayshale and poorly graded gravel and sand.
Key challenges included tying into the existing Govalle Tunnel with limited records (requiring specialised diver operations and structural reinforcements), managing water and surcharge pressures during tie-in operations, adapting to design changes, and ensuring uninterrupted sewage flow for Downtown Austin.
The Project was completed in December 2025.