The world’s aging infrastructure, expanding population and growing energy demand are creating an environment that will keep horizontal directional drilling contractors in high demand. At the same time, HDD contractors face new challenges, as project owners demand more information and detailed documentation about installations.
More detailed information can take extra time to prepare and can seem like a burden but it is a very important step in the process. Without proper documentation, contractors could end up spending more time on a job than planned or even put themselves at risk of a utility strike. To help cut down the time it takes to create detailed reports and plans about your installation job, and to more easily share your plans with others, you should consider investing in a digital planning tool.
Planning tools can help a variety of individuals, including but not limited to engineers, municipalities and drill operators.
Today, many times utility installation plans are recorded on a stack of paper with handwritten notes. But with digital planning tools the amount of paper being used and the potential to misplace records can be reduced. Additionally, digital recording could add more accurate information, such as specific mapped GPS coordinates, more accurate potholed locations, locate positions and more. One example of a tool that can help with bore planning is the Vermeer Projects Suite.
Vermeer Projects Suite is web-based software created to capture and manage electronic jobsite documentation in one place, which can be easily shared with others. With mapping technology, you can mark utilities, plan bores in near real-time and export reports to better collaborate and save time before, during and after a job.
In addition to understanding what utilities already exist and keeping record of the utilities currently being installed, individuals may also need to construct detailed bore designs and test the install before any ground is physically touched. This can help with the safety of a bore job and the integrity of the install. Things that should be taken into consideration are the soil conditions where the utility will be installed, the type of product going in the ground and the piece of equipment doing the install.
There is software available today that can run simulations with specified conditions. This software will take all inputs into consideration and generate a report with notable information, such as load calculations, pipe selection and drilling fluid requirements. This type of information can be very valuable in helping a contractor make proper plans and be more accurate with their recordkeeping and install. They will be able to better understand the stresses of the install and take into consideration particular industry best practices. An example of this type of software is the Vermeer BoreAid® design tool.
Adapting to unplanned issues on the jobsite can be difficult. The more you know about your bore path, the better. You can never be too prepared, and by utilizing more advanced tools you should be better equipped to handle your future jobs.
Vermeer Productivity Tools assist users with planning and management functions. Information provided is reliant upon the accuracy and quality of user-provided data. Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in product engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing or distribution at any time without notice or obligation. Products shown are for illustrative purposes only and may display optional features. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on product specifications.