AWWA DSS63729

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless methodology that provides an installation alternative that can offer a number of benefits over traditional open-cut. HDD can be implemented with very little disruption to surface activities, requires less working space, and may be performed more quickly than open-cut methods. Also, it can simplify or eliminate certain permitting processes. This type of installation of municipal underground infrastructure systems has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. Although there are currently no national standards regarding HDD installations for any pipe material, HDD pipeline installations are becoming more and more common and may be the fastest growing trenchless construction method today. Topics related to HDD that are covered in this paper include: procedure; drilling mud; installation methods for HDD of ductile iron pipe including cartridge and assembled-line methods; joint applications and deflections; radius pulls; pipe bore path friction; pulling force capability; pulling heads; and, corrosion control. Includes 4 references, table, figures.