Case Study
Underground Gas Pipe Installation
Directional Drilling of a 63mm Gas Pipe Beneath a Busy Road for LIDL in Basildon, Essex
Project Overview
Our team was brought in to install a 63mm gas pipe beneath a busy road in Basildon, Essex, to supply a LIDL store. Prior to our involvement, a different contractor had attempted to install the gas pipe using a moling technique but was unable to complete the job due to the challenging ground conditions. This critical installation required a reliable, trenchless approach to avoid disruption to traffic while maintaining accuracy under the complex subsurface.
Objectives and Challenges
The objective was to install the gas pipeline seamlessly and safely beneath the road, despite previous challenges faced by the earlier contractor. Key challenges included:
Heavy Traffic Flow: The road is constantly used by commuters, so it was essential to avoid lane closures or detours.
Difficult Subsurface Conditions: The presence of various underground utilities and the limitations of moling meant we needed a more precise approach to navigate the obstacles successfully.
Solution and Approach
Given the difficulties encountered with moling, we opted for directional drilling. This method allowed for greater precision and control, enabling us to navigate safely beneath the road and past existing infrastructure without disturbing the surface.
Technical Steps Taken:
Comprehensive Pre-Drill Survey: Our team conducted an in-depth survey of the site, identifying existing utilities and ensuring an optimized bore path for the gas pipe installation.
Directional Drilling Execution: Using advanced steerable drilling rigs, we drilled a precise 63mm borehole under the road, achieving the exact depth and alignment needed to bypass obstacles.
Traffic and Safety Management: Safety measures, including signage and lane management, ensured a safe work environment and minimized disruptions to road users.
Results and Outcomes
The project was completed on schedule, with the gas pipe installed accurately and in line with LIDL’s requirements. The directional drilling approach proved to be a more suitable solution than moling, allowing us to avoid surface excavation and maintain full road accessibility throughout the installation.
Client Impact
By completing the installation successfully where previous methods had failed, we provided LIDL with a dependable gas connection for their store. Our use of directional drilling ensured minimal disruption to traffic and preserved the road’s structure, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution that met both the client’s needs and local community expectations.
