Why More Construction Companies are Opting for Trenchless Drilling

Construction & Contractors Blog

Construction companies and other types of industries have practiced drilling for many years. It's often necessary to drill into underground layers in order to carry out infrastructure installation and to drill wells, boreholes, and other types of underground resources.

The excavation process and large amounts of earth and waste that are produced by traditional drilling have led to the need for a more efficient drilling technique. As a result, trenchless drilling has been developed. Trenchless drilling involves techniques, equipment and procedures that minimize surface excavation processes during drilling.

Horizontal drilling and other similar methods are often used to avoid the environmental damage that is often caused by traditional drilling work. But why are so many construction companies shifting to this "trenchless" drilling?

Causes minimal interruptions

Traditional drilling methods, such as trenching or open cut drilling, could only be carried out when the ground above was not being used for buildings, roadways and other types of activity. In fact, these activities would have to come to a halt so that the drilling company could carry out its work on the underground surface.

Trenchless drilling now allows for the digging to take place underground without interrupting the surface activities. This means that roads, sidewalks, and houses can continue to exist in peace even as construction work is ongoing.

Trenchless/directional drilling allows for the boring process to occur at a well-defined angle and to strategically pass underneath surface utilities and other infrastructure.

A more durable option

When installing underground pipelines and utility infrastructure, trenchless drilling provides for a more durable process where this infrastructure can last longer and work more efficiently.

Traditional drilling methods in areas such as riverbeds or underneath bridges would expose infrastructure to corrosion, damage, and wear and tear over time. This has the potential of decreasing the lifespan of pipes by as much as 50%. When such pipes are strategically placed using trenchless drilling, durability is significantly increased.

Cost efficiency

Trenchless drilling reduces operational costs in multiple ways. First, there is much lower displacement of surface material, which means that less work has to be done to access underground layers and to restore the surface after drilling.

Secondly, the faster drilling process results in lower equipment costs, rental costs, and labour expenses. And thirdly, the more efficient trenchless drilling process means that a lower amount of energy is used to complete the project as a whole.

Increased accessibility

Construction companies have realised that they can now access and carry out work in areas that were previously too costly to operate on. Pipes can now be laid beneath complex bridges, railroads, and residential neighbourhoods that were previously inaccessible. This means that you can now enjoy more flexible drilling options for your upcoming project with trenchless drilling. 

For more information, contact a drilling and blasting contractor.

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29 January 2018