Client Case Study

HDD Watermains Installation Under Canal

Rural Countryside Project, Buckinghamshire

Directional Drilling Watermain Installation Under Canal

The installation of essential water infrastructure in a rural location with restricted access and complex environmental considerations.

The need to cross under a canal and through council land added layers of regulatory compliance, which included obtaining a Section 50 license for the works. The project required design and installation of over 450 meters of HDPE water pipe. Comprehensive ground investigations and engagement with geotechnical and environmental consultants were carried out. All necessary permissions from the Canals and Rivers Trust and local council were obtained.

Project Type

Rural Watermain Installation UnderCanal

Trenchless Installation Method

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Requirements

Install 145 Metre Pumping Mains Pipe

Location

Buckinghamshire

Distance

450 Linear Meters

Crossing

Rural Land and Canal Crossing

Drilling Suggestion

50mm MDPE

Constraints

Canal Crossing
Existing Services

Rig used

Ditch Witch JT3020 Directional Drill

Ground Conditions

Gravel and Sand

Installation time

6 Days for works

Client

A domestic customer requiring a water supply to land accessible only via a narrow lane and needing to cross under a canal.

Project Highlights

Scope of work

The project included the design and installation of over 450 meters of HDPE water piping, comprehensive site and ground investigations, engagement with geotechnical and environmental consultants, and securing necessary permissions from the Canals and Rivers Trust and local council. Submission of as-laid drawings and design documentation to the Canals and Rivers Trust was a critical component of this process, ensuring all work met regulatory standards and requirements.

Advanced GPRS Utilization

While not explicitly mentioned initially, the application of advanced GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems) techniques can be inferred as part of the geotechnical investigations and bore path planning, enabling precise detection of underground utilities and obstructions.

Bore Path Design and Planning: Technical Execution and Achievements

The project team, led by EPS Trenchless Installations, undertook detailed design work, including engaging leading surveyors to produce cross-sectional drawings of the canal. This meticulous planning ensured the successful navigation of the bore path under the canal, meeting all regulatory requirements.

Drilling Specifications

The use of HDD technology was central to the project’s execution, chosen for its ability to install pipes with minimal surface disruption. This method was particularly suited to the firm sand ground conditions encountered, enabling efficient and accurate pipe installation.

Innovative Solutions and Challenges Overcome

Facing the challenge of installing piping through difficult terrain and under a canal, EPS Trenchless Installations employed HDD to minimize disruption and environmental impact. The project also required navigating complex regulatory landscapes, including securing a Section 50 license and adhering to the Canals and Rivers Trust’s stringent environmental standards.

Expertise in HDD and GPRS

The successful completion of this project showcased EPS Trenchless Installations’ expertise in HDD and their ability to integrate advanced technologies like GPRS for precise underground mapping, contributing to the project’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The project was completed in six days, within the stipulated time and budget, to the client’s satisfaction. EPS Trenchless Installations’ ability to self-certify the water mains further streamlined the process, eliminating the need for trench inspections. This case study highlights the company’s innovative approach to trenchless installations, their technical proficiency in HDD and GPRS, and their commitment to meeting client and regulatory requirements efficiently. The submission of as-laid drawings and design documentation to the Canals and Rivers Trust was a testament to EPS’s thorough and compliant approach to infrastructure projects.

Get a price
with an online survey

Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!