49 JULY 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Overcoming Advanced Work Site Challenges Adapted from Information by The Utility Expo Not all horizontal directional drilling (HDD) jobs are the same, and not all geological conditions pose the same challenges. Dr. Samuel T. Ariaratnam, professor and Beavers-Ames chair in heavy construction at Arizona State University, taught a field educational class at The Utility Expo 2021 titled, “Advanced HDD: Challenges and Good Practices for a Successful Installation.”. He discussed three work site conditions which require advanced knowledge of HDD practices and tools: Unsupportive geotechnical conditions, such as cobbles and gravels - This is the least favorable geotechnical condition because it is difficult to keep the borehole open and maintain drilling fluid flow. “I would be cautious bidding on a project that involves drilling through significant cobbles or gravels,” said Ariaratnam. “There are things you can do to improve your chance of success, but it’s still going to remain challenging.” Not having enough layout area for the pipe - During HDD operations, all the pipe is connected and pulled in; therefore, sufficient space is needed on the surface for the entire pipe. “Contractors have mitigated this obstacle by installing the pipe in segments,” said Ariaratnam. “For example, if the pipe installation is a mile long, they can install it in several equal sections depending on what length is permitted by the laydown area. An intermediate fuse or weld can be used to join the smaller pipe segments together.” Time restrictions - Oftentimes, when working in urban settings, there are time restrictions placed on construction work. With HDD, once pullback begins, the job needs to be finished. “You have to complete the entire pullback,” added Ariaratnam. “Contractors need to understand this important consideration on HDD projects in their planning, and municipal owners need to allow for some leeway to facilitate installation during pullback.” During the lecture, Dr. Ariaratnam led the students on a tour through outdoor exhibits to interact with products and technology, as well as speaking to vendor experts at booths. DIR “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do.” ~Amelia Earhart “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” ~Will Rogers
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