Horizontal Directional Drilling solid formation

When you are told something is “solid as a rock,” that’s usually a good thing, understanding that you will know whatever that something is, that it will last.  For a horizontal directional driller, that phrase takes on a whole other meaning, usually leading to a lot of questions.  What kind of rock is it?  What’s its psi?  Is it layered with multiple rock formations?

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Directional Drilling in rock

 

Whether it’s sandstone, cobble, gneiss, limestone or boulders, all these questions (and many more) are critical to our ability to successfully complete a bore on time and on budget, as well as knowing what to do with any given rock formation that the drill bit will come in contact with. It is very beneficial to know what the ground formations are, we prefer a report of what’s in the ground and it needs to be something current and something from that location, not 100 miles away or done in the 1950s.  We can take samples! 

 

The Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling in solid formations 

 

Sounds simple enough but a lot of preparation is required of contractors before a bit touches any part of the ground. Time is money for everyone involved in a construction project — from the owner who writes the check to the contractor who receives it. To avoid cost overruns and time delays, it’s beneficial for us to know what ground conditions we are dealing with — before turning in a bid for a project.

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There are numerous things to consider when directional drilling in hard rock with a PSI threshold above 10,000 such as hard limestone, granite and skirt. The pilot bore begins by pushing and rotating drill pipe following a predetermined pass from the entry point to exit point.  The tooling from drill pipe, bits, housings, and back reamers should be designed specifically for rock applications.  The drilling fluid you use in rock will depend on the tooling and drill set up you choose. You want to go with a mix that is thick enough to float cuttings from the horizontal drill path while providing adequate cooling and lubrication to the drill bit.  The right tooling is also critical for pull back in hard rock formations.

 

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) in solid rock provides a cost-effective solution for construction projects requiring underground pipe and cable installation. This advanced drilling technology allows us to safely bore through solid rock, creating a precise and efficient installation process. Our experienced team of directional drillers provide a reliable service that ensures your project is completed on time and within budget.
 

As you can see there are considerations for boring in hard rock  and choosing the right contractor for your project is paramount to success.  At  CB HDD Trenchless Civil Construction Ltd,  we have the experience and expertise to make sure your project is done right.  Our team of professionals can work with rock drills to quickly and efficiently create the perfect hole for any construction job.  Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit you! 

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