Recent RDR Project: Auger Boring for Water Line Under Route 2 Near Ohio River
RDR’s directional drilling division was chosen for an auger boring (or a bore & jack) installation of a 700 foot water transfer line that will pass under heavily traveled Route 2 near the Ohio River. The project will be completed in under one month, enabling infrastructure expansion in a smarter, greener and more sustainable way.
When HDD or Bore & Jack Is Best Used?
Trenchless drilling technologies have revolutionized underground utility installations, minimizing surface disruption and offering more efficient alternatives to traditional excavation. Two key directional drilling methods, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and conventional auger boring, are widely used but are best suited to different project scopes. The chart below summarizes the kind of projects where the two technologies are best used. (You can read about a RDR horizontal direction drilling/HDD project here.)
Comparing Horizontal Drilling Trenchless Installations
| Considerations | Conventional Auger Boring (Bore & Jack) | Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Size |
Best for shorter run utility installation projects +/-500 feet |
Ideal for longer run utility installations (hundreds to thousands of feet); can handle complex routes |
|
Pipe Diameter |
Typical installations of pipe are up to 60 inches or more |
Can install small to large diameter pipes, depending on drill rig capacity |
|
Speed & Cost-Effectiveness |
Faster and often more cost-effective for short, straight runs |
More expensive upfront, but cost effective for long or complex crossings |
|
Steering Capability |
Limited to straight line installations |
Highly flexible, can curve around obstacles or other utility installations |
|
Surface Disruption |
Minimal compared to open cut but requires pits for jacking |
Minimal (small entry and exit points) |
|
Soil & Ground Conditions |
Best in stable soils (not ideal for rock or loose ground) |
Works in varied soil conditions, including rock with proper tooling |
|
Auger Boring or HDD vs. Open Cut |
By reducing environmental impact, and avoiding extensive excavation and restoration, both HDD and auger boring reduce the overall project time, cost and environmental impact |
|
|
Best for Crossing Under |
Roads, railways and short-distance utility installations |
Rivers, highways, urban areas and environmentally sensitive zones |
|
Example: RDD Recent Project |
700 Foot water line under major highway and along river |
19,100 Foot sewer system installation |
While it is trenchless, auger boring differs from more advanced trenchless methods like HDD because it requires excavation pits at both ends and lacks the ability to steer the bore. Auger boring is best suited for short-distance, straight-run crossings, such as under roads and railways, where casing installation is needed.
HDD causes minimal surface disruption, eliminates the need for large pits, and is best used for longer, curved or environmentally sensitive projects.
Industries & Uses for HDD or Bore & Jack Conventional Auger Boring
Both auger boring and HDD reduce disruption. Roads, sidewalks, rivers stay intact. There are fewer traffic detours and less noise. For the right project HDD or bore & jack avoid extensive excavation and restoration. They reduce environmental impact, while enabling pipes or conduit to pass under highways, railroad tracks, rivers, or heavy urban areas.
Below is a partial list of industries or construction projects where RDR has found HDD or auger boring can be most effective:
| Industry | Areas to Use HDD Vs. Open Trench |
|---|---|
|
Water and sewage utilities |
Underground drainage pipes Installing or replacing underground water lines Upgrading storm water management Sewage system replacement or add-on Irrigation lines |
|
Oil and natural gas |
Underground natural gas lines Underground oil transport lines |
|
Electric utilities |
Underground electrical service lines |
|
Municipal & local government Highway & transportation General construction |
Municipal utilities Conduit for traffic and street signage Parking lot lighting Conduit for charging stations or security cameras Erosion control Tie rod installation |
|
Phone Fiber optic CCTV |
Fiber optic cable runs for broadband expansion |
Recent RDR Project: 19,100 Feet Bore & Jack Sewer System Expansion
RDR’s bore & jack division is beginning a year-long trenchless 19,100 feet sewer system expansion.The expansion includes construction of air release valves and manholes. Jack & bore was found to be quicker, more economical and will create far less mess than open cut or trenched options.
When HDD or Bore & Jack Is Best Used?
Trenchless drilling technologies have revolutionized underground utility installations, minimizing surface disruption and offering more efficient alternatives to traditional excavation. Two key methods, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and bore & jack, are widely used but are best suited to different project scopes. The chart below summarizes the kind of projects where the two technologies are best used. (You can read about a mid-sized HDD project here.)
Designed for larger distances bore & jack excels in long, straight-line projects. With its ability to install thousands of feet of pipe in segments, it becomes the preferred choice for linear utility installations, like sewer add-ons.
Economical for smaller distances, HDD usually proves to be highly cost-effective. It eliminates the need for large pits or extensive excavation work. And, HDD does allow installations to follow underground turns.
Industries & Uses for HDD or Bore & Jack
Both bore & jack and HDD reduce disruption. Roads, sidewalks, rivers stay intact. There are fewer traffic detours and less noise. For the right project HDD or bore & jack avoid extensive excavation and restoration. They reduce environmental impact, while enabling pipes or conduit to pass under highways, railroad tracks, rivers, or heavy urban areas.
Below is a partial list of industries or construction projects where RDR has found HDD or bore & jack can be most effective:
