Trenches are necessary for laying pipes and conduits for transporting fluids and materials. Though trenching has long been the traditional installation method, directional boring is an increasingly popular alternative, with appealing benefits for efficiency and sustainability.
Directional boring uses a surface drilling machine to dig an underground path. The borehole is drilled following a specific bore path, resulting in a minimal disturbance on the ground. This virtually trenchless technique is also called horizontal drilling, deviated drilling, slant drilling or horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
Directional boring offers several advantages compared to the traditional trenching process.
Directional boring offers a way to dig trenches under buildings, roads and other obstacles without causing damage above ground. These boring machines have a smaller footprint, causing minimal disturbance to the ground where the equipment is set up. Traditional trenching is impossible in these applications.
Directional boring decreases groundwater pollution, keeps the digging site's ecosystem intact and causes fewer fractures in rocky areas. As a result, the digging zone and surrounding area can remain preserved and protected.
The horizontal boring process is quicker and more efficient than traditional trenching. The cleanup process after the project is also simpler and faster. Your crew can save time with earthmoving tasks since directional boring displaces less dirt. Since directional boring requires fewer workers to complete, your other team members can work on other project components, accelerating the project timeline.
Since directional boring creates a minimal disturbance, the risks of falling rocks and debris are lower. Workers are less likely to be injured from the digging work. With traditional trenching, you must install protective systems like trench shoring since the hazards are higher.
Traditional trenching is safest in fair weather and imposes security risks during rain or snow. You can complete directional boring whether it's raining or shining, which means you'll face less downtime and project delays.
Traditional trenching and directional boring have key differences, making each method ideal for various applications.
Trenching requires crews to dig a trench to a specific length and depth to lay pipes or connect utilities. Since this technique disturbs the ground, trenching is only possible for job sites without obstructions.
Comparing the installation prices of trenching versus directional boring, traditional trenching costs less. The cost difference can make trenching the better option for projects with a restrictive budget.
The project budget and the property layout are the two primary factors to consider when deciding between trenching and directional boring. Some projects use both methods. Traditional trenching can offer a solution for most of the earthmoving work, while directional boring is ideal for precise digging to navigate around and under structures.
Directional boring is used for the same types of projects traditional trenching can complete, including the following:
Oil and gas and energy companies choose directional boring to drill wells through rock and install utilities and pipes.
Directional boring is also the ideal digging method to use for projects operating on a tight schedule. Crews can save time with less restoration work after the project, getting the work done quicker.
The authorized Cat® dealer network through The Cat Rental Store has the trenching equipment your next project needs. Our shoring equipment rentals help prevent collapses and cave-ins to keep your crew safe and the project moving forward.
Our trench shoring rentals include a wide variety of aluminum and steel shields in various sizes and configurations. Explore options including:
All of our shoring rentals are maintained regularly and comprehensively inspected between rentals. We offer reliable, secure rentals so you can benefit from the highest performance.
With The Cat Rental Store, you can rent whatever you need from people who do whatever it takes. Browse our trench shoring rentals on our website. Speak to a product specialist at 1-800-RENT-CAT for more information about each option. Complete a quick rental quote form online to start your rental today.
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