Underground drilling is an extensive topic covering a wide area. In the building and construction industry, underground drilling has come a long way. It is perhaps the most advanced in the sector in terms of machinery, approaches, and technology. Underground drilling has helped shape the economy of most countries in improving their infrastructure. As we all know, our economic growth mainly depends on the infrastructure. It is the means through which business is made possible. These include transportation, communication, network distribution, and energy supply systems. Most of these economic infrastructures have been made possible through underground drilling. Below are five things you should know about underground drilling.
1. Safety
Due to the advancements in technology, more is being done to ensure that the use of the drilling equipment remains safe. The professional personnel handling the drilling equipment are first taught all the safety procedures and protocols required in the trade. In addition to this, most of the machinery used has been passed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
2. Underground Drilling and the Environment
The application of modern technology in the construction of the drilling equipment has ensured that modern-day underground drilling is environment-friendly. Unlike in the days past, there is minimal erosion thus reducing the environmental impact. Using state of the art equipment causes minimal disturbance, which means that the surrounding environment remains intact and the balance unaltered. There’s minimal risk to the rivers, lakes, and wetlands as well as their sources.
3. Improvements in Efficiency
Whenever drilling was mentioned some years back, the time factor always mattered. Well, it should and it still does. Underground Drilling as we know it by now, is a process that requires extensive planning, research, and precise articulation. The use of state of the art equipment has brought about tangible changes all mattes time. The operational changes made on the modern drillings rigs have by far influenced the equipment’s efficiency. This means that the time it took to complete piping tasks or creating conduits has been greatly reduced.
4. Cost
When it comes to underground drilling, it’s important to know all about the factors affecting drilling costs. Below are some of the aspects that may affect the cost of underground drilling.
- Operating crew
- Rig size
- Soil types
- Unseen obstacles
- Weather condition
- Pipe diameters, length, depth, and pipe type
- Steering problems
As you can see, it would be quite hard for you to get an instant cost estimate for a particular drill job. For this reason, before drilling, soil samples must be taken to the lab and analyzed. Other geotechnical procedures may include rock testing and concrete testing. Once all the above factors have been considered, it, therefore, becomes easier to reach a conclusion, all matters cost.
5. Employment
Underground drilling has also helped improve the economy by employing so many qualified both young and old men and women. Underground drilling jobs are well-paying jobs with an inclusion of occupational risk allowances and insurance. Most drilling companies provide their employees with safety gear best suited for the work. On top of this, they also train them on safety and other operational skills.
With the increased urban growth, there is a need for underground drilling to ensure that proper infrastructure is put in place. One great company that is ensuring that this is happening is HTD Australia Sunshine Coast.
