Horizontal directional drilling

Directional drilling is a trenchless method of installing utilities beneath obstacles such as:
  • roads,
  • pavements,
  • protected green spaces,
  • railway tracks,
  • rivers,
  • drainage ditches,
  • and other watercourses.
Directional drilling creates a pilot bore, which is then enlarged to the required diameter. Specially selected drilling fluid removes excavated material so that a casing pipe or cable can be installed.

The process has three stages:

Preparing drilling fluid


Drilling fluid is prepared by selecting a suitable bentonite mixture and combining it with water in the required proportions. Additives are chosen to suit the ground conditions and provide the necessary suspension, flow, and bore stability. The prepared fluid is fed directly into the bore during drilling.

Directional drilling helps avoid:

open trenches, as drilling can begin directly from the ground surface
traffic restrictions when crossing transport routes
disturbance to riverbanks and flood embankments
extensive disruption to the natural and built environment.