Member spotlight: From the ground up, R&R McClure wins on trenchless tech world stage

How one Victorian civil contractor’s invention is changing the way the world thinks about electrical safety—one trenchless breakthrough at a time.

There’s innovation—and then there’s game-changing innovation. And in this case, it comes from one of our own: Tim McClure, a civil contractor and Director of CCF Victoria member company R&R McClure, based in regional Victoria.

Tim has just been awarded the prestigious Abbott Innovation Award at the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) No-Dig Show 2025 in Denver, USA.

That’s right—this local Aussie has outshone global engineering giants with a solution that’s shaking up the electrical and trenchless technology industries.

His award-winning invention? The Trenchless Grounding System—a clever twist on an age-old challenge that’s been bothering electrical networks for over 250 years.

A modern solution to a centuries-old problem

Earthing systems are the unsung heroes of electrical infrastructure. They’re the safety net that grounds electrical energy, protects equipment, and keeps people safe. But when earthing fails—due to poor soil contact or weathered materials—it can lead to dangerous faults, costly outages, and environmental damage.

Until now, the method hasn’t changed much since the 1700s: drive a metal rod straight into the ground and hope it hits the right type of soil. But as any contractor knows, geology doesn’t always cooperate—and vertical installations can completely miss the most conductive soil layers, leading to high impedance and ineffective grounding.

Rethinking grounding – sideways!

Tim McClure’s invention flips the problem on its side—literally. His Trenchless Grounding System uses Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to steer electrodes directly into optimal soil layers, increasing conductivity and reducing system resistance.

Even more impressive? The system can perform real-time resistivity testing while drilling, allowing operators to adjust as they go to ensure precise placement and effective grounding—no guesswork required.

“We’re not just putting metal in the ground—we’re steering into better performance,” Tim explains. “It’s safer, smarter, and far more sustainable.”

Big impact, small footprint

The Trenchless Grounding System is ideal for both High and Low Voltage assets—from transformers, substations and power poles, to lightning protection systems and even renewable energy sites like solar or wind farms. It’s also a godsend for hard-to-access sites or live-line installations.

Plus, because the system doesn’t require full surface excavation, it significantly reduces disruption to the environment and surrounding infrastructure — saving time, money, and topsoil.

And the innovation doesn’t stop at home. This technology now boasts Innovation Patents in both Australia (2022) and the United States (2025) and has been featured at international trenchless conferences in Niagara Falls and Denver.

Flying the flag for regional innovation

This isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a proud moment for Australia’s civil construction industry. Tim’s success on the global stage highlights the ingenuity and practical problem-solving that exists in our regional businesses.

Congratulations to Tim McClure, —a valued part of the CCF Victoria family—on leading the charge for innovation from the ground up.

Watch the Trenchless Grounding System in action

CCF member R&R McClure wins on trenchless technology world stage

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