Directional Boring

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD), also known as directional boring or line boring is a trenchless technology - a great alternative to open trenching. This steerable method of conduit installation is an environmentally friendly option that generally has the added benefit of cost savings as well.

Did you know that we can install a utility line or conduit under your driveway, landscaped area, retaining wall, creek or other without disturbing the surface? Imagine for a second that the technology exists, well it does, and you can find it at Lovett.

The Directional Boring process begins by creating a pilot bore. From the surface a steel drilling rod is inserted into the soil, as we add them together the drill rods become increasingly flexible, allowing us to steer. Corrections are made by determining the exact location of the beacon, which is protected by the beacon housing that sits on the front of the very first drill rod to enter the ground. The beacon transmits a signal with great accuracy; it shows the pitch, depth & rotation of the beacon housing.

The individual who follows the pilot bore path with a locator is known as a Tracker. The Tracker reads the information displayed on his locator, assesses the beacons current location and determines if any corrections in the bore path need to be made. As the drill operator pushes a new drill rod into the ground, deflection created from an angled bit on the tip of the beacon housing allows the drilling operator to make gradual turns. Once a successful pilot bore has been created steps are taken to prepare for installation of the product.

Common products installed are PVC pipe or conduit, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), cable & steel casings, or just about anything that can be pulled through the bore hole. Often times the pilot bore needs to be expanded, allowing for the installation of larger product. This can be accomplished through backreaming.

Backreaming takes the pilot bore’s hole and makes it bigger. This is done by rotating a reamer back through the ground. This reamer was installed after removing the beacon housing. Water jets built into the reamer and sharp teeth help to cut a hole, creating a flow of material that enlarges the hole. Once backreaming is completed and the drill stem pushed backed through the pilot bore, product is hooked to a swivel placed behind the reamer and pulled into the ground.

Recommended applications for directional boring:

• water service installations
• sewer service installations can be installed on grade
• underground power conduit installations
• driveway sleeves
• irrigation systems
• water crossings
• railroad crossings
• telecommunications cables or conduits
• steel casings
• road and highway crossings
• geothermal and ground source heat pumps
• ground remediation projects