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Can Directional Drilling Advance Infrastructure Replacement? Adapted from Information by CONEXPO-CON/AGG and Utah State University Many cities around the country are facing a simi lar problem, decaying water and sewer systems, as well as wa t e r ma i n b r e a k s . U t a h S t a t e University’s Buried Structures Laboratory recently published its second study on b r eak r a t es o f wa t e r p i pes . The research indicated there were 23,803 pipe failures in need of repairs, and break rates have increased 27% in the past six years. Break rates for cast iron (CI) and asbestos cement (AC) pipes represent almost half of the installed water mains in North America, and have increased 46% and 43%, since 2012. PVC has the lowest break rate of all the pipe materials considered. Lower break rates mean lower costs and improved longevity. Steven Folkman, a professor at the university explained older CI and AC pipes are near or past their expected life and must be replaced soon. Another observation he made is the rate existing pipes are being replaced is on a 125- year replacement cycle, however, the typical age of a failing water main is 50 years. “One of the causes of failure of existing pipe is corrosion,” said Folkman. “PVC pipe and other plastic pipe are not subject to corrosion and have an expected life in excess of 100 years. The biggest problem today is funding to replace the existing infrastructure.” New pipe materials and installation methods are currently being devel- oped to help with the underground construction of utilities. Directional drilling is one method which has gained popularity in the last five to ten years. This approach drills a horizontal hole and then pulls a pipe, or conduit, through the hole. The majority of those polled have utilized directional drilling and are very happy with the results, but it is typically only used where open cut ( t renching) replacement is an issue. Currently, open cut is the most commonly used method of pipe replacement. The study also showed smal ler cities are having the most trouble with their water infrastructure. If funding mechanisms for infrastructure invest- ment can be developed at the federal level, replacement could happen at a faster pace. “There will be a continued trend for water main breaks and sewer system failure plaguing cities and the … finan- cial problem of getting funds to replace old systems,” concluded Folkman. “Also look for pressures for more open competition and a transparent pipe material selection process that allow[s] selecting a pipe that lasts a long time at a low cost.” When light-duty just doesn’t cut it, the 9X3 pump hoist from TDH Manufacturing is built to get almost any job done. It offers up to 27,000 pounds of pulling power on a three-part line, lots of deck space, three custom outriggers, and dual hydraulic pipe racks to raise and lower the worm gear winches to strap down pipe. Dual hydraulic cylinders raise the mast to a true hook height of 45 feet. The control box displays load weight, hydraulic pressure and temperature, hydraulic filter status, job hours, and auto high oil temperature shutdown. The oil cooler also has a programmable thermostat. For even more ease and efficiency, the 9X3’s wire- less remote control offers infinite control of winches, mast, and throttle from up to 200 feet away. TDH Manufacturing is a Valued WWDR Advertiser A water line being bored under a road in Newburg, West Virginia. DIR 35 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2018