Horizontal Directional Drilling Feasibility Analysis and Case Studies

Horizontal directional drilling is a trenchless construction method that expands water utilities' options for the replacement and installation of pipelines. There are several factors that must be examined to determine if HDD is the most advantageous construction method for a project. The HDD feasibility analysis outlined in this paper will explore the following considerations: project conditions, pipe diameter and material, available construction and staging area, subsurface soil conditions, construction cost, and pipe stress analysis. Two projects will be discussed as case studies to walk through a feasibility analysis and associated calculations. This paper was developed to be used as a preliminary guideline for owners and others new to HDD applications.