Our Projects

Horizontal Directional Drilling – Scotland

Project Overview

Trenchless Solutions Limited was contracted to complete a horizontal directional drilling installation in Scotland using trenchless techniques to install new ducting beneath a live highway corridor.

The project required a high level of drilling accuracy to accommodate the installation beneath the highway whilst maintaining traffic flow and minimising disruption to the surrounding area. The site presented challenges including difficult ground conditions, restricted working areas, and the need to maintain safe operations within a live infrastructure environment.

A trenchless approach using a Vermeer D40x55 Horizontal Directional Drilling rig was selected to minimise surface disruption and ensure efficient installation of the ducting network.

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Description of Works

Working on behalf of the client, Trenchless Solutions Limited completed the installation of multiple ducts using horizontal directional drilling techniques.

The works involved pilot drilling operations followed by successive reaming passes and pullback installation of the product ducting. The installation was completed successfully despite challenging ground conditions, with drilling operations carefully controlled throughout to maintain accuracy and minimise disruption to the highway network.

All works were carried out within controlled launch and reception areas, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding infrastructure and maintaining safe, efficient operations throughout.

 

Proposed open cut construction	As built trenchless construction
Restricted access: Significant disruption to live highway network Large excavation footprint and traffic management requirements Restricted access due to surrounding infrastructure	Restricted access: No disruption to highway surface or traffic flow Minimal working footprint within launch and reception areas
Health & safety: Open excavations within live highway environment Increased plant movement and excavation risks Extensive temporary works and traffic management required	Health & safety: No open excavation along the installation route Controlled drilling operations within designated work areas
Cost savings: High reinstatement and excavation costs Extended construction duration due to traffic management Increased plant and labour requirements	Cost savings: Minimal reinstatement required Reduced construction programme Lower overall project costs
Environmental: Increased noise, dust and surface disruption Higher carbon emissions from excavation activities Greater impact on surrounding infrastructure	Environmental: Reduced surface disruption throughout works Reduced CO2 emissions Lower noise and environmental impact

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