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Planning and Executing Construction and Contracting Projects: Tips for Consumers

Welcome to my blog. My name is Deborah. About 15 years ago, I bought an old home. We worked with several contractors to rehabilitate it, but ultimately, the foundation simply wasn't stable enough, and we had to tear it down. After that, we worked with a construction crew to build a home from the ground up. The experience was exciting and challenging, and I learned a lot through that process. I want to share construction and contracting facts and information with others so I decided to start this blog. I hope that you like the results, and I thank you for reading. Enjoy!

Planning and Executing Construction and Contracting Projects: Tips for Consumers

Trenchless Technology: What to Know When Using Auger Boring Technique

by Samantha Russell

As the need for oil, gas, water and sewer line installation grows, there is an increased need for boring techniques that maximize available ground space with minimum excavation and surface disruptions. The trenchless technology involves the installation and replacement of underground utilities with few or no continuous trenches. One of the most common techniques used is auger boring. It is a suitable option for installing utilities under railroads, highways and other public structures.

Benefits of auger boring

There are various reasons why contractors prefer auger boring to other techniques. They include the following:

  • The procedure does not disrupt buildings, roads, rivers, railroads and other surfaces beneath which the utility pipes are installed.
  • The process uses the dry method of installation which does not generate any slurry.
  • Underground boring confines the working area to the entry and exit points. It eases the project as there is no transportation of material, machinery and equipment from one site to another.
  • It can be used to install pipes under wet or soft ground conditions such as clay without disrupting the soil structure.
  • Auger boring is simple and inexpensive, while delivering on efficiency and timeliness.

Choosing an auger boring machine

The process of auger boring utilizes an auger boring machine. Since auger boring machines come in different sizes and configurations, you need to have the following things in mind when selecting the ideal machine for the application. Consider the following factors:

The range of work

The first step is to determine the scope of work that the contractor will be undertaking. If you are laying pipes over a long distance, you will need a larger auger boring machine compared to short distance installation. Auger boring machines have prescribed diameters and length up to which they can drill. Undertaking a site assessment can help you determine the ideal size for your project.

Ground conditions

Auger boring machines can excavate gravel, clay and rocks of all types. However, certain soil conditions can affect the length that the machine can bore. Very rocky or hard grounds can damage some cutter heads; therefore, choose cutter heads which are ideal for the type of soil conditions on the ground.

Safety features

Choose an auger machine that has additional safety features and components for increased efficiency and safety of users. A safety lock ensures the machine is locked into the track without manual hook up, and a vandalism shield which allows the machine to repel weather and unauthorized persons from damaging the machine when not in use.

Auger boring is one of the easiest and least expensive techniques that utilizes trenchless technology. When using this method, ensure that workers are properly trained on how to use auger boring machines to maximize efficiency and prevent accidents on the site.

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