Case Study
Electrical Ducting Directional Drilling
Directional Drilling Installation of Electrical and Water Ducts Beneath Taxiway
Project Overview
Our team was tasked with installing a 50-meter stretch of 90mm electrical ducting and 25mm water pipe beneath an active taxiway to support operations for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Given the critical nature of this air ambulance base, it was essential to complete the project with minimal disruption to air operations while ensuring the safety and reliability of the installed utilities.
Objectives and Challenges
The primary objective was to provide a durable underground path for both the electrical and water utilities, ensuring uninterrupted service to essential equipment and facilities at the air ambulance base. Key challenges included:
Avoiding Operational Disruptions: The taxiway was in active use, so drilling had to be precisely planned and executed to prevent interference with air ambulance movements.
Subsurface Conditions: The area’s underground conditions required careful management to avoid any risk to the newly installed ducts and pipes.
Solution and Approach
To meet these objectives, we employed directional drilling, allowing us to install both the electrical ducting and water pipe with precision while maintaining structural integrity beneath the taxiway. The project involved careful planning, advanced drilling technology, and continuous monitoring to ensure alignment and avoid disruptions.
Technical Steps Taken:
Detailed Pre-Project Survey: We conducted a thorough survey of the subsurface conditions and existing infrastructure, designing a bore path that avoided sensitive areas and maximized safety.
Directional Drilling Execution: Using steerable drills with real-time tracking technology, our team successfully drilled a 50-meter borehole to house both the 90mm electrical duct and the 25mm water pipe. This minimized the need for multiple passes and reduced overall project time.
Safety and Compliance Measures: Strict safety protocols were followed throughout the project, with regular checks to ensure that work complied with all aviation and operational standards.
Results and Outcomes
The project was completed on time and to specification, providing a secure and reliable pathway for electrical and water services to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance facilities. Our approach allowed air ambulance operations to continue unaffected, ensuring that critical response capabilities remained fully operational.
Client Impact
With the successful installation of the electrical and water utilities, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance now has a robust infrastructure to support essential facilities. The directional drilling solution not only preserved the taxiway’s functionality but also saved time and minimized surface disruption, benefiting both the air ambulance service and the surrounding airport operations.
