However, thanks to powerful tracking technology and all the different types of tooling options available for drilling rigs, there are few conditions where HDD cannot be used. Wetlands, rivers, lakes and mountainous terrain are a few examples of some of the environmental areas where HDD is commonly called upon. When (and when not) to use horizontal directional drilling These types of bores are being done in urban areas, as well as in more rural areas, where there may be environmental concerns about digging.” “HDD bores up to 2,438.4 m and over 76.2 cm in diameter are becoming more and more common these days. “The distance and diameter of product midsize and large maxi-rig drills can handle, as well as the ability to steer, are the main reasons why HDD is so widely used,” said Michael. Horizontal directional drilling is the industry’s preferred trenchless method for installing buried utilities over long distances. Advantages of Horizontal directional drilling for midsize to large-diameter bores To determine when to employ an horizontal directional drilling rig or auger boring machine, it’s important to understand each trenchless method’s advantages and drawbacks. “The project’s location, ground material, distance and grade requirements are factors in determining which method should be used,” he explained.

Michael added that water, sewer, electrical and natural gas, as well as oil and gas pipelines, are all applications that fall into this size category. “While directional drilling is used for everything from small fiberoptic conduit to large oil and gas pipeline installations, once the utility being installed is around the 60.9-cm to 152.4-cm diameter range or larger, auger boring begins to be a viable option,” said Gasmovic. However, each has areas where they are superior to the other for specific underground infrastructure projects.Īccording to Tod Michael, product manager for trenchless products at Vermeer, and Dave Gasmovic, business development manager at Vermeer MV Solutions Inc., horizontal directional drilling and auger boring complement each other for larger diameter boring projects. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and auger boring are excellent trenchless installation options for large-diameter utilities and pipelines. Tips for Determining Which Trenchless Method to Use for Large-Diameter Bores

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