The Micro-trench process involves the cutting of a narrow trench (typically 30mm (1.2 in) in width) in the footway or carriageway. A selection of ductwork is then laid within the trench, after which the micro-trench is reinstated to a specification that takes into account local footway/carriageway types, conditions and locally agreed standards. A clear cost-saving is achieved through the use of micro-trenching when compared with traditional civil engineering techniques. The reduction of reinstatement material required and the reduced overall project timelines leads to a cost saving of up to 75% over more traditional excavation techniques. The i3/JCB Auto Trenching Machine (ATM) is designed for the compact Skid Steer Robot platform - a tried and tested piece of equipment used extensively on construction sites around the world. The i3/JCB ATM range has the flexibility to micro-trench up to 1200m a day, minimising disruption in urban environments. The i3 has entered into a global IP & development partnership with JCB to develop this micro-trenching machinery. We have now cut more than 250 km of micro-trenching in the UK alone.

i3 Group is the world’s leading technology company in fibre cable deployment methodology. i3 Group’s innovative technologies and methodologies allow the cost of building fibre networks to be reduced by up to 70%. Equally important is the reduction in road digging, a high traffic disruptive approach, which our unique system drastically reduces by over 60%. Find out more