Directional Boring
What Is Directional Boring?
Directional boring is a method for laying underground pipes, wires, and conduits without digging trenches. It has a minimum impact on the surface, making it the method of choice in instances when traditional trenching is not viable or where minimal surface disturbance is desired.
Drilling a pilot hole with a small diameter along a predetermined underground path is followed by widening the bore to accommodate the required pipeline. The pipeline is then dragged into the expanded hole, forming a continuous section of pipe with only its two endpoints exposed.
The approach is adaptable to diverse soil conditions and is capable of traversing diverse surface impediments, including roads, wetlands, and bodies of water. Different pipe materials can be used with directional boring if the pipe’s qualities permit installation and operation below acceptable stress limits.
Directional Boring Machine Types
Directional boring equipment depends on numerous criteria, such as the length of the intended crossing, the qualities of the pipeline to be laid, and the predicted subsurface conditions.
Tractor Trailer Mounted Drills
For longer and more complex crossings, tractor-trailer-mounted augers are used. These machines are capable of generating 1.32 million pounds of thrust/pullback force and 150,000 foot-pounds of rotary force. They are utilized in conjunction with other equipment, such as a drilling fluid reclaimer, high-volume pump, excavator, and a variety of auxiliary equipment, to aid with standard operations.
Smaller Portable Equipment
Smaller, more transportable equipment with thrust/push forces ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 pounds is available for smaller bores. They are utilized for operations such as connecting a home’s basement to a nearby shared water pipe and may not require drilling fluid or water alone.
Also available in a variety of sizes and forms are drill bits, reamers, hole-openers, and swab tools, among others. Installed on the drill string to perform operations, these tools are made of materials such as tungsten carbide alloys, polycrystalline diamond (PCD), or high-carbon steel. The method of advancement differs between soil and rock crossings, with hydraulic excavation being the primary approach for unconsolidated soils and a combination of hydraulic excavation and mechanical operations for rock formations.
How Much Does Directional Underground Boring Cost?
How much does directional boring cost? The cost of horizontal directional drilling can vary based on a number of variables, including the type of project (residential or commercial), location, soil conditions, and length of the bore. Here is a breakdown of cost-related factors to consider for residential and commercial directional drilling projects:
Residential Directional Boring
- Type of property (single-family home, townhome, etc.)
- Distance between bore points
- Soil conditions
- Access to the property
- Size and type of pipe being installed
- Local permit and utility fees
Commercial Directional Boring
- Type of building or property
- Size and type of pipe being installed
- Distance between bore points
- Soil conditions
- Access to the property
- Availability of power, water, and other resources
- The complexity of the job site (existing underground utilities, large trees, etc.)
- Local permit and utility fees
- Number of bore points
The best way to get an accurate estimate for directional boring costs is to contact a local directional boring contractor specializing in this type of work. They can assess the specific needs of your project and provide a detailed quote.
Boring in Construction
What is construction directional boring? In construction, directional boring is distinct from other forms of horizontal directional drilling. Directional boring in construction involves the non-disruptive placement of underground pipes, conduits, and cables to create a path for underground utilities and services in a construction project.
This technique is frequently employed in new construction and remodeling projects to minimize the impact on above-ground structures and surfaces and preserve excavation safety.
The following bullet points illustrate some of the distinctions between construction directional boring and other forms of directional drilling:
- Purpose: Directional boring in construction is designed primarily for utility and service installations in building projects, but other forms of directional boring may serve different purposes, including pipeline installation, geological investigation, and mining.
- Equipment: Directional boring equipment used in construction projects is often smaller and more portable than directional boring equipment used in other types of projects. This is because development projects frequently necessitate additional space and entry points.
- Site conditions: Directional boring in construction occurs inside the limits of a construction site, which may have a limited area, restricted access, and special safety needs. Another directional boring may occur in distant areas, underground mines, and offshore.
- Project scale: Due to a limited area and access points on a construction site, the scope of construction directional boring projects is typically less than other types of directional boring projects. Consequently, the cost and time of construction projects may be lower than those of other directional boring operations.
Directional drilling in construction is intended to minimize the impact on above-ground structures, surfaces, and utilities. Other techniques of directional drilling may be subject to various limitations and have a bigger influence on the ecosystem above ground.
Directional Boring Near Me Contractors
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At TLS Group LLC, we bring over 40 years of experience and expertise to the table, delivering the highest-quality commercial directional boring and horizontal directional drilling contractor services in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Springdale, AR. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with the most innovative and cost-effective solutions, ensuring that their projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest level of safety.
We understand that every commercial project is unique and requires a tailored approach to meet each client’s specific needs. That’s why we offer a turn-key solution that takes care of everything from start to finish so that you can focus on your business.
Credit Source: Wikipedia
