ABSTRACT
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless construction method used to install pipelines of various sizes and materials below the ground surface. Installation design and technical knowledge associated with HDD installations are based on simplifying assumptions and non-scientific rules. To date, limited field data exists to validate these assumptions and rules. In 1996, the University of Waterloo initiated a field research program to address this research need. Three instrumented high-density polyethylene pipes were installed under controlled conditions at the University of Waterloo field test site using a directional boring unit. Instrumentation consisted of recording pipe strain, ground temperature, drill fluid pressures, drill rig hydraulic pressure, and pipe axial load. Two of the three-pipe installations were exhumed to determine the condition of the drilling fluid in the bore, bore and pipe ovality and rotation, and the as built pipe profile. This paper summarizes field results from the pipe installations and excavations.
