Both open-cut and trenchless drilling methods are used on various underground construction projects such as installations of pipelines and underground utilities and plumbing repairs. But, traditional trenching isn’t always the best method for every construction project, especially when it involves working in sensitive environments.
Fortunately, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) was developed, allowing utilities to be installed underground. It is more effective and economical than traditional methods.
The Advantages of HDD Method
In underground bore-path construction, HDD is the fastest-growing trenchless method for the installation of conduits, pipes, and cables. This approach can be used to work in a variety of soil conditions (loose and hard soils), as well as to traverse natural and artificial barriers such as lakes, pipes, valleys, highways, trains, and even airport runways.
With horizontal drilling, obstacles are no problem – the equipment can be guided over, under, or around them, meaning existing cables and utilities are not disrupted or damaged while work is completed.
Obstacles are no problem with horizontal directional drilling because the equipment can be steered over, under, or around them, ensuring that existing cables and utilities are not disrupted or destroyed during the process.
In addition, this method reduces the cost of building and restoring new water and wastewater pipes, as well as the cost of rehabilitation of failing pipes in urban locations where excavation is either not practical or unnecessary.
Besides the aforementioned usage, here are other important applications of the HDD method.
You’re Working Near Or Next To A Highway.
When working near a highway or another crowded location, horizontal drilling is the best option. You can only imagine the catastrophe that traditional drilling would create if small construction operations like road repairs generate big traffic delays. HDD enables drilling across congested regions while minimizing environmental impact.
When Drilling Needs To Be Expedited.
Construction projects aren’t usually completed on time. Traditional drilling may lead you to miss your deadline even more if you need to drill to install utilities, perform repairs, or access an oil line when you’re already behind schedule. Because you don’t have to worry about damaging and fixing the surrounding region around the drill site, HDD takes less time.
You’re Working Near A Body Of Water.
Originally utilized to drill beneath river crossings, horizontal directional drilling now quickly became a common method of drilling. It reduces the negative impacts of underground construction on the environment, making it an environmentally friendly and suitable way of installation.
You’re Working On Gas Lines With Small Diameters.
HDD was originally used in the oil and gas industry on cross-country, large-diameter, pipeline transmission lines. However, in recent years, horizontal directional drilling was approved for small-diameter gas distribution lines in urban areas and suburban areas. It’s also used at airports for water and telecommunication cable crossings.
You’re Looking For More Cost-Effective Drilling.
Horizontal directional drilling has grown in popularity not just as a result of its ability to drill beneath waterways. Due to its lower costs and reduced surface disruption, it has also become the preferred method of utility and pipeline companies.
Takeaway
In comparison to traditional vertical maneuvering methods, horizontal directional drilling has shown to be more convenient and environmentally beneficial. It’s perfect for installing cables, pipelines, conduits for short- and long-distance projects, as well as at greater depths.
Moreover, the HDD market is being driven by the growing global emphasis on adopting environmentally-friendly trenchless technologies, as this type of drilling is proving to be one of the most important construction techniques for developing, replacing, and maintaining underground infrastructure.
