Micro-trenching is cutting just enough, and no more (between 2,50 cm (1 inch) and 13 cm (5 inches) wide and up to 50 cm (20 inches) deep). It's a methology that systemises the process using new techniques and materials. It permits installing at a shallower depth, doing less damage to street assets (concrete or asphalt), reducing cost of reinstatement thus reducing overall FTTH cost per meter.

Marais is know for the cleanliness, the speed and the efficiency of its techniques. The Cleanfast and the CityCleanfast, are, for instance, the only microtrenching units combining, on a same chassis, trenching, vacuuming and waste storage.

Microtrenching is mostly dedicated to the deployment of optical networks in urban and highways environments.

1. Microtrenching

Microtrenching is realised with a trenching rocksaw or chainsaw, mounted on one of our 3 dedicated units. It can be done in the roadway, the curb (next to the gutter) or the sidewalk. Concrete, as long as it doesn't have rebars, is not a problem.

2. Ducts laying

Two techniques can be used to install ducts underground :

• Manual laying : Workers manually put ducts inside the trench following the trenching unit.

• Mechanical laying with our specific micro-laying unit
  

3. Backfilling

Trench backfilling can be realised in a very simple, clean and fast manner.

In urban environments, a colored concrete is poured into the trench. The color helps to prevent cable cuts during future works. It offers an alternative to using warning tape.

4. Reinstating

On the roadway, we then suggest to go through a T-Cut process. The T-Cut process goes in 2 steps. First the road is milled on 3 to 5 cm deep (1 to 2 inches) and 30 to 60 cm wide (1 to 2 feet). Then it is reasphalted. This technique is the best solution for heavy traffic road. It will keep maintain the road structure over time and eliminate risks linked to water infiltration and temperature variations.