Horizontal Directional Drilling

Abstract

In Finland horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a relatively new technology when installing underground structures. Conventional excavation and cable ploughing are the traditional ways of installing underground structures. Horizontal directional drilling brings new opportunities for the installation of underground structures because, unlike the tradi-tional methods, breaking of the surface of land is not infringed during the drilling stages, but drilling is controlled from the ground. This technology provides a cost-effective results in the installation of underground cables. The remote controlled horizontal directional drilling is also environmentally friendly method of installation. In addition, the horizontal directional drilling has brought a new market sector, for Finnish companies and that the use of new methods of erection has begun to raise its head in place of traditional methods. New alternative methods for in-stalling underground structures develops competition of the techniques, and also brings the techniques more modern and more environmentally friendly.

The aim of this thesis was to examine the methods used in horizontal directional drilling, look at its environmental impacts, work safety, and the impact of soil on the working capacity.

Firstly the methods used for installing underground structures in Finland were examined closely in this thesis. After this I looked closely horizontal directional drilling as a method, compared it to the alternative used methods and discussed about its opportunity as an alternative method for installing underground structures in Finland.

As a result of this thesis was to find the right place for HDD in Finnish construction work when installing under-ground structures. The client organisation of this thesis will use it for marketing HDD method in Finland.