Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a method of installing underground pipelines, cables, and service conduits using trenchless methods. It is performed using a heavy piece of machinery called a Directional Bore machine. Proper directional drilling requires operation by an experienced specialist in the field. 

The process of horizontal directional drilling is a three-fold process that involves digging a pilot hole, pre-reaming the hole to the appropriate size for the lines, and pipe pull back. This is the widely chosen method of installing underground utility lines because HDD comes with many advantages that will streamline your construction project. These include:

• Little disruption to the surrounding landscape, as opposed to the traditional open-cut method— the only displaced soil will be at the pilot hole site.

• Ecologically friendly— protect the environment better than open trenching methods.

• Negligible soil contamination— HDD moves soil to the side as opposed to unearthing it where the risk of contamination increases above the surface.

• Cost-effective— one machine does the work of multiple pieces of heavy equipment and lower labor costs.

• Quicker installation process— one machine, a smaller crew, and less displaced dirt adds up to significant time saved on your project. 

Directional Drill

A horizontal directional drill operation requires proper planning in order to receive all of the benefits of this method mentioned above. The initial step in the planning process is a preliminary survey of the bore path at your project site. This survey will include the condition of the soil, the bore length, and any other existing external utility lines that are present at the site, among other factors. A comprehensive survey report will determine the choice of the drilling unit, the diameter of the pipe to be installed, and the soil classification.

A Horizontal directional drill operation makes drilling underneath industry complexes possible, as well as a simplified residential solution. The HDD method is used across a wide spectrum of projects in commercial construction and residential projects alike. At DRM, Inc., we use horizontal directional drilling for the following applications: 

• Gas

• District chiller pipelines 

• Drinking water supply

• Installation of pressure lines for sewers

• Cable protection pipes— television or telephone cables

• Traffic routing systems

• Emergency call boxes

• Low, medium, high voltage, and optical fiber cables.

DRM, Inc. owns and operates its own comprehensive fleet of Directional Bore machines. This gives us the ability to complete all of our HDD projects in-house. Based on the ground survey, our expert team has the capacity to install products up to 36 inches in diameter and up to 1,600 feet in length. 

Directional Drilling

Over the course of four decades in business, DRM, Inc. has built countless valued relationships with the most reputable general contractors and developers in Northeastern Wyoming and surrounding areas. We provide real solutions to safely and effectively installing underground pipelines, cables, and service conduits using trenchless methods. We pride ourselves on doing it right the first time with environmental integrity, professionalism, and streamlined efficiency. With over 200 pieces of quality heavy equipment in our expansive fleet, we provide exceptional excavation and earthwork services with a running list of very satisfied customers.