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The following are answers to some common questions we receive about our directional boring project process -

Question & Answers

Use this list of questions and answers to evaluate the needs and requirements of your horizontal directional boring (HDD) project.

How do I know Minnesota Utility Contractors is qualified to do the job?

Minnesota Utility Contractors has drilled thousands of underground horizontal holes throughout the continental US. We are committed to meeting and exceeding the highest horizontal directional boring safety standards.

What type and size utility pipe will I need?

We can install pipes made of HDPE, PVC and Steel ranging in diameter from 1 to 78 inches. The size of pipe you require depends on whether you are installing electric, gas, telecom, cable, fiber optic, water or sewer lines. The size of pipe also determines the machine that we will use on your job.

How much access space will I need for the HDD entry and exit pits?

The directional boring entry pit is the starting point for the bore, and the exit point is the end of the bore. For an entry pit, a space generally between 3 and 40 feet is required, depending on the bend radius and directional bore path. At both the entry and exit pits, there will be some disruption to the surface and the emergence of boring mud and underground spoils. How much space is needed to accommodate the bore pits is determined on project-by-project basis.

What size horizontal directional boring machine will I need for the job?

We determine which of our HDD machines is best suited for the job by assessing the soil conditions, pipe size, and space available for boring.

Do I need to have the location inspected for existing utilities?

Yes. Every project must have existing utilities located before we start boring.

What kind infrastructure or water bodies will I be boring under?

We have directionally bored under rivers, highways, hospitals, airport and military runways. Our only requirement is that we can track the directional or auger drill head. When boring under water bodies and areas to dangerous or difficult to navigate by foot, we use boats or wire line technology to locate the drill head. Safety is our top concern, and we assess what controls we need for safety before setting up on any job site.

What time of year will I be boring?

We can bore in most weather conditions, including snow. Freezing temperatures may prohibit our equipment from boring.

What kind of on site boring mud disposal will I need?

During the boring process, we use bentonite boring mud. It is a naturally occurring substance produced via volcanic ash. On small jobs, we can remove the mud used during boring. For larger jobs where the quantities of mud and spoils are large, we suggest taking on-site disposal into consideration.

How do I evaluate a quote for directional boring versus a bid for open cutting surfaces?

The cost of surface restoration is the most overlooked aspect of an open cut excavation bid. The cost of fixing roads and controlling traffic are often not included in a bid for open cut excavation. When assessing an excavation bid, be sure to factor in the cost of repairing road damage and hiring traffic control. Traffic control and road restoration are often not major expenses when horizontal directional boring is used. On our directional and auger boring quotes, we inform you of all costs to complete the directional boring project.

Why should I choose horizontal directional boring over open cut excavation?

Horizontal directional boring equipment requires a relatively short set-up time; a small machine can be set up and start boring within an hour. Labor requirements are minimal, as it only takes a small crew to operate a small boring machine. The need for traditional excavation during horizontal directional boring is minimal or non-existent.

In open surface areas, horizontal directional boring (HDD) is an efficient way to cross rivers, highways, railroad tracks, even active airplane runways, without major disruptions to traffic or costs for traffic management. In crowded and dense urban areas, directional boring is increasingly viewed as the more desirable technological choice because:

Existing surface disruption is minimized

Surface restoration costs (roads, infrastructure) are minimized

There is less impact on owners property

Minimizes the need for earth removal and the long-term costs of open-cut trench settlement

Minnesota Utility Contractors is a recognized leader in the boring industry. We provide directional and auger boring services to install underground electric, phone, cable, fiber optics, water, sewer, gas and irrigation utility lines for both large and small projects.

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