Case Study
Data Cable Installed in the Ground
Directional Drilling of 100m Data Cable Ducting Under Shared Driveway and Gas Main for New Build Property
Project Overview
We were contracted to install 100 meters of 50mm ducting for a data cable to service a new build property. The installation required directional drilling beneath a shared driveway and a sensitive gas main, making it essential to complete the project with precision and without disturbing existing infrastructure.
Objectives and Challenges
The primary goal was to install the ducting for the data cable while ensuring the integrity of the shared driveway and avoiding any impact on the existing gas main. The project’s key challenges included:
Shared Driveway Access: The driveway served multiple properties, so it was crucial to maintain access throughout the installation to avoid inconvenience to residents.
Navigating Existing Utilities: The path included a gas main crossing, requiring us to plan the bore carefully to avoid any risk of interference or damage.
Solution and Approach
Directional drilling was chosen for its accuracy and low surface impact, allowing us to install the data cable ducting while preserving access to the shared driveway and protecting the gas main.
Technical Steps Taken:
Site Survey and Planning: Our team conducted a detailed survey of the area, identifying the precise location of the gas main and mapping out a safe bore path that would prevent interference.
Directional Drilling Execution: Using steerable drilling equipment, we installed the 50mm ducting along a 100-meter path, carefully navigating around the gas main to ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.
Resident Access and Safety Measures: We implemented a traffic and safety plan that maintained full access to the driveway for residents, with clear signage and controlled drilling zones to minimize disruption.
Results and Outcomes
The project was completed successfully and on schedule, with the 50mm ducting installed as planned. Our directional drilling approach allowed for accurate placement beneath the shared driveway and around the gas main without disturbing the surface or interrupting access for residents.
Client Impact
By achieving a seamless installation, we provided the new build property with a reliable data cable connection. The trenchless solution avoided the need for open-cut trenching, reducing both the cost and disruption typically associated with such installations. This approach preserved the shared driveway and protected the existing gas main, providing a safe and effective outcome that met all project requirements.
