Auger Boring Machine

72 – 1200

 Horizontal Earth Boring Machine is an economic, environmental and

friendly method for installation pipe line under roads, railways, pipe lines
and other obstacle.

 With this method we can install sewer, fresh, water, oil, gas, electrical and
telecommunication pipeline without trenching.

 The distance is usually up to 100 meters.

 Auger boring is faster to install a pipe on a short distance, especially big

diameters.

 The rock and dry ground is ok using the correct cutting head.

 For clay you have to lubricate the inside of the casing to help the clay not to
load too much the rotation of the machine. Clay can be difficult if it is
sticky.
 Site Operation

Crew:
1- Superintendent:
working under the Operation Manager, the Rig Superintendent shall be responsible for
the drilling activities on-site insofar as planning and co-ordination and drilling technical
issues are concerned. The Rig Superintendent shall also be responsible for executing the
works according to the approved procedures and plans, particularly relating to Health,
Safety and Environmental.

2- Operator:
The Driller reports to the Rig Superintendent and is responsible for operating the drill rig.
The Driller is also usually responsible, along with the site mechanic, for checking the
mechanical condition of the equipment. The Driller, along with the rest of the site crew,
has a duty to follow project HS&E rules and regulations.

3- Labors:
(4) Labors report to the Rig Superintendent and operator and are responsible for general
on-site activities i.e. working the rig floor, cleaning up the site, handling drill pipe and
whatever else is maybe required. The Rig Hands, along with the rest of the site crew, has
a duty to follow project HS&E rules and regulations.
Equipment’s
1- Crane 50 ton
2- Excavator
3- Truck
4- Water tank
5- Double cabin Pick up
6- Small caravan
7- Welding machine
8- Sheet piles head (fix by an excavator)
9- Dewatering
10- Tools

Procedure:
1- Site survey
 Crossing Length
 Crossing Diameter
 Obstacle type (high ways, roads, Railway, pipeline)
 Type of soil (soft, hard, very hard)
 Work Area Condition (open area, traffics area)
 Site topographic

After review of the geotechnical report, Horizontal Boring is the most suitable
trenchless method. As it is within the criteria of Horizontal Boring, with a suitable
execution speed which will eventually help attain the project completion within the
project time frame.

2- Mobilize all equipment

After site survey and defined entry and exit point, after complete all documents
procedure
3- Excavation:
Start open lunch and receiver bit minimum space requirement:
(L=10.4m – W=4.6m – H=4m)
 How Does it Work?
Horizontal Auger Boring offers a streamlined approach to installing underground pipelines, conduits, and
cables without the need for extensive excavation. But, like any trenchless technology, it has its own
unique set of advantages, limitations, and considerations — all of which must be understood to properly
utilize this methodology.

How It Works
1. Preparation

The process begins with meticulous planning, where engineers assess the site’s soil composition,
geological conditions, and underground utilities. Proper planning ensures smooth execution and
minimizes the risk of complications.

2. Setup

A launch pit and a receiving pit are excavated at opposite ends of the proposed bore path. The
launch pit serves as the starting point for the auger, while receiving pit facilitates the extraction
of spoils and installation of the casing pipe.

3. Auger Drilling

A horizontal drilling rig equipped with an auger assembly is positioned at the launch pit. The
auger, driven by hydraulic motors, rotates and advances into the ground, gradually creating a
horizontal bore path. As the auger progresses, it excavates soil and transfers it back to the surface
for disposal.

4. Casing Installation

Simultaneously, a casing pipe, typically made of steel, is pushed into the freshly drilled hole.
This casing serves multiple purposes, including maintaining bore integrity, preventing ground
collapse, and providing a conduit for the installation of utility lines.

5. Product Installation

Once the casing is in place, utility lines, such as water mains, sewer pipes, or
telecommunications cables, can be inserted through the casing and installed within the
underground infrastructure.

6. Extraction

After completing the bore, the auger is reversed, retracting it back to the launch pit. Meanwhile,
the casing pipe remains in position, forming a protective sleeve for the installed utilities.
7. Backfilling and Restoration

Finally, the excavated pits are backfilled, and the surface is restored to its original condition.
This step minimizes disruption to the surrounding environment.

Benefits of Horizontal Auger Boring

Horizontal auger boring has a wealth of unique benefits and advantages when compared to other
installation methods:

Minimal Surface Disruption

Horizontal auger boring significantly reduces surface disturbance compared to traditional open-
cut methods. Its reduced footprint makes it an ideal method for urban areas and environmentally
sensitive locations.

Cost-Effectiveness

By minimizing excavation and restoration requirements, horizontal auger boring helps lower
overall project costs. These savings often come from labor, equipment, and traffic management
expenses.

Faster Installation

The streamlined process of horizontal auger boring allows for faster installation of underground
utilities, leading to shorter project durations and quicker service activation.

Versatility

This method can accommodate various soil conditions and bore lengths, offering versatility in
project execution.

Reduced Environmental Impact

With fewer excavation activities and soil disposal requirements, horizontal auger boring helps
mitigate environmental disturbance. It can also minimize carbon emissions associated with
construction activities.
Limitations of Horizontal Auger Boring
While horizontal auger boring offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to acknowledge its
potential limitations:

Soil Conditions

Auger boring may encounter difficulties in hard or rocky soil conditions, requiring additional
equipment or techniques.

Bore Length and Diameter

The length and diameter of the bore may be limited by the capabilities of the auger equipment.
As a result, this method requires careful planning to ensure feasibility for larger-scale projects.

Utility Interference

Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen conflicts with existing underground utilities can occur.
These conflicts may necessitate adjustments to the bore path or alternative installation methods.

Geological Challenges

Geological features such as groundwater, underground cavities, or sensitive environmental areas

can present obstacles to auger boring. In some occasions, such obstacles require specialized
solutions and mitigation measures.

Access Constraints

Limited access to the project site or restricted space for equipment setup may pose logistical
challenges, impacting the feasibility of auger boring in certain locations.

Horizontal Auger Boring Considerations

With horizontal auger boring’s advantages and limitations in mind, here are some key
considerations to address before employing this technology on a project:

Geotechnical Challenges

Soil conditions, such as rock formations or unstable ground, can pose challenges during auger
drilling. These challenges often require careful planning, and modifications to the drilling
process.

Utility Coordination
Comprehensive utility mapping and coordination are essential to avoid conflicts with existing
underground infrastructure and ensure the safe installation of new utilities.

Quality Assurance

Regular monitoring and inspection of the bore path and casing integrity are critical to ensure the
long-term reliability of the installed infrastructure.

Safety Measures

Adherence to strict safety protocols and guidelines is paramount to prevent accidents, and ensure
the well-being of workers and bystanders throughout the project. These protocols should be
amended and updated throughout the project as needed.

Conclusion
Horizontal auger boring can provide an impactful combination of efficiency, minimal disruption,
and cost-effectiveness. As urbanization continues to expand and infrastructure demands grow,
this innovative technique will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in sustainably meeting
the challenges of underground utility installation.