DIRECTIONAL BORING - FRIEND OR FOE?
Excavators around the state are discovering what the oil industry has known for many years, directional boring can save lots of time and money. This trenchless technology has been around a while, but has seen a significant surge in the past few years.
The increased usage of this equipment is not without its problems, however. As companies discover the benefits of this technology and rush to make it a part of their operation, not enough care is being taken in the usage of this equipment and damages are occurring at an increasing level. One gas company stated that directional boring is replacing the backhoe as the most frequent damager of their facilities.
Because of this fact, Diggers Hotline will now be asking all callers if boring equipment will be used in their excavation project. The Diggers Hotline members requested this information be asked so they can be aware of when this equipment will be used around their underground lines. In some cases, the utilities might work more closely with the excavator to ensure the underground services are protected.
Directional boring equipment itself is not the problem. Rather it is the users of the
equipment who are not using the equipment as safely as possible.
The first major problem involves not tracking the bore head as accurately as possible. The instruments used to track the head are not foolproof. It is vital that small holes be dug periodically to visually track the path of the directional bore. This protects against a bore head that has wandered. Bore heads can change direction upon hitting a rock underground, or by gradually migrating towards loose soil.
When crossing a marked, underground facility, it is vital to expose that facility and dig holes on either side of that utility to track the directional bore head. Do not assume that you are boring deep enough.
When back reaming, track the path of the back reamer as you would the bore head. Back reamers can veer off track as well. In addition, make sure when boring that you have allowed for the additional size of the back reamer when crossing above, below, or along side of underground facilities. Back reamers will be larger in size than the bore head and that extra size needs to be accounted for when working near facilities.
Lastly, it is becoming more common to try and avoid problems by burying deeper and deeper. Burying new facilities 25 to 30 feet down to avoid problems in installation will only create a major problem later on. That problem is the locating of those facilities. Conventional locating equipment cannot find facilities at that depth.
Technology, when used safely and correctly, can save everyone time and money. Directional boring is no different. Unfortunately the amount, frequency, and severity of underground facility damages by boring equipment illustrate that it is not being used as carefully as possible. Protect yourself and your people, take the time to use the equipment properly and the benefits will still be there.
