About Great Lakes Trenchless Association

What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?

Horizontal directional drilling commonly referred to as HDD is a non-invasive trenchless technology. HDD allows the placement of underground utilities in limited-access, developed or restricted areas. Such areas include highways, freeways, parking lots, landscaped areas, streams and rivers or ravines. Because the method is non-invasive, restoration in these situations is greatly reduced, if not eliminated. This contributes to an environmentally safe project and can lead to project savings and enhanced public acceptance.

Ohio Horizontal Directional Drilling Association History

Due to the response from the horizontal drilling industry, the Ohio HDD Association was created. More and more issues were being placed on the industry with no recourse. Now with force in numbers a forum is in place to tackle problems that arise.

On May 31, 2001 many people from all parts of the horizontal drilling industry gathered at Tru- Bore Technologies in Columbus, Ohio. It was also hosted by Baroid Drilling Fluids. There was an informal roundtable meeting. It was decided that a state association to address state or local issues was necessary.

On March 7, 2002 a board of directors was put in place with the task of setting up the legal aspects of the association. This was achieved and much more. Be part of history because we are making it now. This is the first of many states that are organizing HDD related associations. This is your chance to have a say in what direction this industry will go. Be involved! Find out what can you bring to the table. Join your peers to make HDD the preferred choice for underground utility installations.

Solutions to a Problem

Traditionally, installation of underground utilities involved open trenching. Contractor had to excavate around existing utilities to get to the depth required to install new services. Costly sidewalks, pavement, brick paving, sod and other surfaces had to be open cut and replaced. There was always a risk of hitting existing underground utilities during excavation. Additionally, the excavation usually causes interruption of traffic and inconvenience to nearby businesses.

Advantages to HDD

HDD equipment requires a relatively short set-up time; a mini-rig can be set up and boring can be started within an hour. Labor requirements are minimal, as it only takes a small crew to operate a standard sized drilling rig.

The need for traditional excavation during horizontal directional drilling is minimal or non-existent. In crowded urban areas, horizontal directional drilling is increasingly viewed as "the preferred technology" because:
- Surface disruption is minimized
- Less negative impact on residents and businesses
- HDD eliminates the need for removal, restoration and long-term costs associated with trench settlement
- In open areas, horizontal drilling provides an efficient method for crossing obstacles such as rivers, highways, rail tracks or an active runway

About Great Lakes Trenchless Association

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