SCOPE OF WORKS
- Four HDD installations of 330 metres in sandstone utilising wire line tracking systems due to depth greater than 20 metres
- 1 x 110mm PE communications conduit
- 2 x 140mm PE electrical conduits
- 1 x 900mm PE water main
CHALLENGES
Due to environmental constraints, a geotechnical investigation could only be conducted in the valley areas. The sandstone outcrop surrounding the Shannon Creek area was estimated at 40-60 Mpa (5800-8700 psi). The project was ideal for UEA’s 300,000-pound HDD rig, as the rail could be positioned horizontally against the vertical face of the escarpment, facilitating the six percent upward grade required for the bore. A Digitrak Eclipse Steering Tool was used to guide the pilot bores through the escarpment to the exit point. While drilling the pilot bores, UEA encountered harder than expected ground conditions, and based on these findings, the intended style of reamer for the large diameter cut was inadequate. A 42” (1066mm) hole opener was used to cut through the 120 Mpa (17,400 psi) rock. The grade of the bore hole ensured that it was self-cleaning, which eliminated the need for complex drilling muds. Although the water pipe had a 90 tonne dead weight pull back, force did not exceed 10 tonnes during the installation.
COMPLETION
Despite the changing ground conditions and difficult location, UEA was able to deliver the project within the required timeframe and to a very high standard.
