Horizontal Directional Drilling
Markey Drilling has become established as one of the leading
Horizontal Directional Drilling contractors in the UK & Ireland.
Horizontal Directional Drilling
HDD utility installation is the process of installing or upgrading utility infrastructure with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment — including roads, railways, watercourses buildings, and landscapes.
These methods prioritise efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability while minimising inconvenience to residents, businesses, and commuters.
Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling Utility Installation
Reduced Disruption
One of the key advantages of HDD utility installation is the minimal disruption it causes to communities.
By avoiding extensive excavation and construction, these methods help maintain normalcy in neighbourhoods, public areas and commercial spaces.
Cost Savings
HDD methods often require fewer resources and manpower compared to traditional approaches.
This can result in significant cost savings for utility companies, local authorities, and taxpayers by reducing labour, equipment, and material expenses.
Faster Implementation
HDD techniques typically offer faster implementation times, allowing local authorities and operators to complete utility projects more efficiently.
This can lead to quicker service restoration, reduced project timelines, and improved productivity.
Enhanced Safety
By minimising excavation and construction activities, HDD installation methods can help reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and property damage associated with traditional disruptive techniques.
Environmental Preservation
HDD methods minimise soil disturbance, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve green spaces.
This sustainable approach aligns with efforts to mitigate climate change and protect natural habitats.
Horizontal Directional Drilling Process
The standard operating procedure of a horizontal directional drilling project can be divided into three main steps:
- Pilot Hole drilling (guided bore along given drill path)
- Reaming (borehole enlargement)
- Pullback (installation of duct or pipe)
Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQS
Q1: What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a method which enables the installation of underground pipes, cables, conduits, fiber optic cables by creating the necessary path to insert the required system.
Q2: What is a HDD drill?
An HDD drill is a steerable trenchless machine used for installing pipe, conduits and cables along a bore path with minimal impact on the surrounding area above and below ground level.
Q3: What distance and diameters can we drill?
Our team and equipment can accomplish up to 1000metre bores and a diameter of up to 1000mm, depending on geotechnical conditions.
Q4: How much does Horizontal Directional Drilling cost?
The cost of HDD is project specific with many variables at play and it is not only down to money. One should always consider time cost, environmental cost, however all is determined by the complexity of the job, the location and ground we are required to drill through.
Q5: Can Markey Drilling design and plan?
At MDL we have the know-how to design and plan the bore in consultation with the client designers, engineers and project consultants. We believe that working collaboratively with all stakeholders achieves the best outcomes.
Q6: What information do you need for an initial quote for HDD?
For an initial quote we require the following information:
- Type of crossing, under river, road, canal, car park etc.
- Length of drill shots
- Location address
- Core sample/ soil type
- Product pipe size
- Start date
- Plans and specifications
You can read our full list of HDD frequently asked questions on our FAQs page.
Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQS
Q1: What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a method which enables the installation of underground pipes, cables, conduits, fiber optic cables by creating the necessary path to insert the required system.
Q2: What is a HDD drill?
An HDD drill is a steerable trenchless machine used for installing pipe, conduits and cables along a bore path with minimal impact on the surrounding area above and below ground level.
Q3: How far can Markey Drilling's HDD drill?
Our team and equipment can accomplish up to 1000metre bores and a diameter of up to 1000mm, depending on geotechnical conditions.
Q4: How much does Horizontal Directional Drilling cost?
The exact cost of HDD is project specific with many variables at play and it is not only down to money. One should always consider time cost, environmental cost, however all is determined by the complexity of the job, the location and ground we are required to drill through.
Q5: Can Markey Drilling design and plan?
At MDL we have the know-how to design and plan the bore in consultation with the client designers, engineers and project consultants. We believe that working collaboratively with all stakeholders achieves the best outcomes.
Q6: What information do you need for an initial quote for HDD?
For an initial quote we require the following information:
- Type of crossing, under river, road, canal, car park etc.
- Length of drill shots
- Location address
- Core sample/ soil type
- Product pipe size
- Start date
- Plans and specifications
You can read our full list of HDD frequently asked questions on our FAQs page.
Want to discuss your drilling project?
If you would like to discuss how Markey Drilling could plan and deliver your project, please get in touch. Our expert team possess the knowledge, experience and expertise to guide you from project planning to successful completion.