Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
What is HDD?
Horizontal Directional drilling (HDD) otherwise known as directional drilling is made possible by a machine that uses pulling, pushing, and rotational forces to create a tunnel underground. Directional drilling starts by piercing the ground with a rod at point (A) the operator will then guide the head of the rod to its desired depth. With the help of a transmitter/locator the operator is able to precisely guide the rods to point (B) avoiding any and all existing underground utilities; this is where pipe or cable is attached. The operator will then begin “pulling back” which is the step that the pipe or cable will actually be pulled into the ground. After the pipe or cable is buried they are hooked up to an existing structure or one that is in the process of being built.
What are the advantages of HDD?
Horizontal directional drilling has been increasing in popularity over the past twenty years for good reason. Directional drilling allows for a faster less disruptive installation process than traditional open-cut methods. With directional drilling above ground operations can continue as they do normally which creates a more efficient work environment.
Directional drilling can be more cost effective since it allows for the option to drill under a road, sidewalk, or operation without having to damage the infrastructure or close it down.
HDD causes less of an environmental disturbance by displacing the least amount of soil reducing collateral environmental damage.
