Directional boring, commonly called horizontal directional drilling or HDD, is a steerable trenchless method of installing underground pipes, conduits and cables in an arc along a prescribed bore path by using a surface-launched drilling rig, with minimal impact on the surrounding area.
Directional boring is used when trenching or excavating is not practical. It is suitable for a variety of soil conditions. The Pipes used can be made of materials such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ductile iron, and steel.
Hydrovac excavation is a non-destructive method of excavation that uses pressurized water and a powerful vacuum to quickly and safely expose buried pipes and cables. A vacuum truck is a tank truck with a heavy-duty vacuum designed to pneumatically load solids, liquids, sludge or slurry through suction lines typically 6-8″ in diameter. Vacuum trucks are also used for exposing underground utilities. The ground is jetted with water, and the vacuum truck sucks up the muddy product. This exposes the buried utility without the possibility of damage, as would be possible if a backhoe was used. This method allows you to:
The use of boring machines and hydrovac trucks has increased drastically in the last 10 years as the need to upgrade, replace or build infrastructure has grown. The number of utilities in the ground and the cost to restore sidewalks, streets and boulevards have all combined to cause this growth.
From the compact JT5 to the heavy-duty JT100 Mach 1, there’s an unbeatably efficient Ditch Witch® directional drill for every type of job site and installation. Get directional drilling 101 with this animated informational video from the global leader in underground construction.