How Does Horizontal Directional Drilling Work?

At its heart, the HDD process is easy to understand. Most times the objective of the drilling is to go beneath all existing utilities. However, there may be cases where the drilling needs to be done at levels above or between existing utilities. The first order of business is to make sure the existing underground utilities and structures in the proposed path of the drilling activity are located and marked out. In most cases calling DigSafe at 811 will take care of this, but some utility owners may not be members of DigSafe and those owners need to be contacted directly to mark out what they own.

Horizontal Directional Drill Rig

A powerful hydraulic drill rig will be set up at the starting point and begins the bore by rotating a steel cutting head followed by 20 feet long steel rods (Typically 4” to 6” in diameter). This is called the pilot bore and it advances through the soil 20 feet at a time as each length of steel pipe is added at the drill rig end.

The object is to know where the cutting head is at all times –both horizontally and vertically. On short length drilling projects, the location of the steel drilling head can be tracked by an employee walking on the ground surface using a magnetic locator that will provide alignment and depth readings. On longer length projects or deeper or underwater projects the drilling head will be outfitted with a special transmitter that sends signals back to more sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment.

As the cutting head advances it can be remotelysteered by the drill rig operator based on the need to correct alignment or depth. Once the initial pilot bore arrives at the end point the advancing cutting head is removed and a larger cutter (spinning in the opposite direction) is attached to the pilot bore piping. This head is called the “back-reamer’ and it is also attached to the HDPE pipe that will remain in the ground.

At that point, the drill rig operator will pull back the pilot bore piping as the “back-reamer” enlarges the pilot drill hole while also pulling back the permanent HDPE ( or steel) pipe.

During this pull back process drilling fluids are added that create a slurry that cools the “backreamer”, lubricates the trailing HDPE (or steel) pipe, assists in removing the drilling spoils, and stabilizes the bore hole. As the “back-reamer spins, both pipes are pulled back (again 20 feet at a time) toward the starting point at the drill rig, completing the process.

As one might suspect, larger piping (over 10 inches in diameter) may require multiple passes with increasing sizes of cutting heads and “backreamers”. The larger the pipe size and the longer the bore, the more modifications to this process might be required also increasing the risks and costs of the work. n

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It’s time to rethink your fleet with the most complete wheeled excavator lineup in the industry. Contact your local Woodco Machinery location today.

Will be held on March 22, 2023 prior to our Forecast Dinner Meeting

UCANE’s 11th Annual Trade Show Trade Show booths offered at NO COST to Construction Outlook Magazine Advertisers.

If you are not currently advertising in Construction Outlook, we hope you will consider placing an ad. Our monthly magazine showcases your products and services to contractors and municipal officials who use them. Our Trade Show is a great opportunity to meet with UCANE members and guests face-to-face.

In addition to placing your ad in our magazine, it will also be on our website, and in our monthly e-newsletter. Space is limited, so if you would like to place an ad in our magazine and reserve a booth at our Trade Show, please contact Suzanne Hatch as soon as possible at shatch@ucane.com.

Concrete Systems, Inc.: Manholes & Catch Basins, Box Culverts, Utility Structures, Special Box Structures, Containment Vaults, Fire Cisterns, CSI Arc-Span™ Bridges, Rigid Bridge ™ Systems, Bridge Deck Slabs, Permanent & Temporary Median Barrier, Uwall™ Retaining Wall Systems, Stablewall™ Retaining Wall, Headwalls & Wingwalls. Clampcrete Construction Systems: TL-4 Anchored Barrier for Roadway Structures. Tunnel Systems: Precision Segmental Tunnel Lining Rings. Cleco Manufacturing: Precision Fabricated Forms & Forming Systems, Complete Plant Design, Batch Plant Computer Automation, Countercurrent Mixers & Concrete Delivery Systems.

Software Can Help Estimators Select the Right Subcontractors and Vendors

Picking the right subcontractors and vendors can be critical to the profitability of utility jobs. As in other steps in the bidding process, specialized software for estimating gives contractors key advantages over competitors relying on spreadsheets or manual processes.

Subs and vendors often deliver quotes as late as possible. This can be because they are busy and need time to formulate bids. Frequently, there are strategic angles. They may delay to be sure they can include the most upto-date pricing possible for their own work. Some may feel a late submission will prevent the general contractor from using their bid as leverage to negotiate a better price from someone else, to cherry pick only certain portions of their bid to accept, or to decide which parts of the job to selfperform.

In either case, with a bid deadline rapidly approaching, time becomes an enemy of general contractors. Estimators may not be able to review and compare quotes as thoroughly and strategically as they would like to, and this can prevent them from making the most profitable decisions. When every hour, if not every minute, counts, these are four important ways specialized software can help by streamlining the comparison process.

Soliciting Quotes

Estimating software can send requests for proposals automatically and ensure consistency in what is sent to each sub or vendor. Pre-populated lists of cost items for self-performed work are a staple of estimating software. Likewise, contractors can establish RFQ groups in the software to identify the types of work or materials they ask outside companies to perform or provide on a regular basis. They can also pre-populate information on subs and vendors – ranging from capabilities and prices to assessments of past performance – in the software.

With these building blocks in place, the estimating application can match provider capabilities with what is required, eliminating the time and effort of doing it manually. From here, it is fast and easy to select which providers to include, add any other information required, and deliver the RFQs directly from the software.

Technology in Construction continued from page 51

Importing Without Data Entry

Estimating software should be able to read quotes delivered in either Excel spreadsheets or fillable PDFs. Generating RFQ attachment files as Fillable PDFs allows the subcontractors or vendors to enter pricing directly into the attachment file. This guarantees that the items, tasks, and materials they quote will be the ones they have been requested to provide pricing on. Accuracy is also ensured, and significant time is saved when the general contractor does not have to key in the data.

After reading and parsing the import file, the software should display the list of items and tasks for the selected subcontractor or vendor with the quote prices preset for review. Converting the import file automatically and showing it in a spreadsheet format allows an estimator to verify that the correct prices were selected, make edits, add in a new header row, or manually select prices.

Creating and Comparing Quote Packages

Whether or not subs and vendors are willing to be awarded part of the work they bid for or only the entire package, can add complexity to the review process. The best software applications allow estimators to group quotes for multiple RFQ groups into packages for each bidder. This helps them easily see how quotes and quote packages line up against others when comparing the total pricing across multiple RFQ Groups. They may, for example, see that it’s more cost effective to award crushed stone delivery, paving, and landscaping to three different companies rather than a single contractor.

Seeing Historical Notes

Price is not always the only factor in selecting subs and vendors. General contractors typically keep notes about quality, on-time performance, and other factors from previous jobs. This information can and should weigh heavily in decisions for awarding future work. Accessing notes, however, can be a challenge when estimators must rely on personal memory or dig manually through reports or spreadsheets. With estimating software, historical notes related to subs and vendors can be brought automatically into the review process for upcoming jobs and viewed alongside items, tasks materials, and pricing provided by each specific sub or vendor. n

Offering a full range of products: Manholes, Catch Basins, Septic Tanks, Leaching Chambers, Dry Wells, Distribution Boxes, Pump Chambers, Grease Traps, PreTreatment Tanks, Utility Vaults, Meter Pits, Yard Drains, Box Culverts, End-Walls, Wing Walls, Curbs, Water Quality Structures, Prefab. Pump Stations, Storage Buildings, Dugouts, Concrete Barriers, Cable Concrete, Retaining Walls, Restroom Buildings, Telecommunication Shelters, Prestress Bridges, National Grid, Traffic Control Structures and many more.

Toll Free: (800) 234-3119

Fax: (203) 265-4941

Jason Lindsey jlindsey@unitedconcrete.com Cell 203-464-7667

See our full line of products at: www.unitedconcrete.com

Advantage Drug Testing is a new UCANE member specializing in drug-free workplace programs and FMCSA compliance. Company President, Ted Dawson brings 17 years of experience advising employers on the FMCSA regulations and compliance programs.

UCANE Associate Members

173 Church Street

Yalesville, CT 06492

203-269-3119

Ted Dawson Owner, President

UCANE

MEMBER

SINCE 2008

Advantage provides complete drug and alcohol programs with on-site and 24-hour emergency response services. Driver qualification file management systems and on-site FMCSA physical exams are available to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Experts In Precast Concrete Structures

Conveniently located in Central Connecticut, United Concrete Products has been a leader in the Precast Concrete Products Industry since 1954. W as one of the largest producers of precast products in the country. They provide an unmatched variety of products for the construction industry, municipalities and commercial clients. United is approved and does business with seven DOT’s.

Advantage supports over 300 employers with managing FMCSA drug-free workplace programs, including many UCANE members. UCANE member companies have provided the insightful comments below.

From catch basins to pre-stress bridge beams and from complex pump stations to modular buildings, the company is proud of its reputation for reliability and the ability to make custom pieces. With extensive in-house design with over 10 engineers on staff and fabrication capabilities, United Concrete Products has a dedicated team of professionals that will assist engineers or clients in customizing products to meet their needs. If it can be made out of concrete, they can do it!

The Dow Company: “Since 2006, they have provided the drug and alcohol testing services we need to ensure compliance and save time for our team.” –

Mike Dow

The Building Group can provide below ground Pump Chambers and above ground Modular Buildings with endless choices of exterior finish and roofing designs. They offer turnkey services including full electrical and mechanical systems installed at the factory and delivered and set on your site.

According to President Jonathan Gavin, “Everyone on our team here operates on the ‘Customer is First’ policy. As proud as I am of the products that we build, it is customer satisfaction that measures success. The amount of repeat customers that we have is proof that we are doing something right!”

Manholes - Meter Pits- Transformer Pads-Handholes-Vaults -Curbing

Albanese Brothers: “We prefer to work with local businesses we can trust, and I can’t say enough about Advantage Drug Testing. Since 2009, they have consistently provided us with the support we need. They are always ready and willing to answer questions and come to our job sites when requested. Advantage Drug Testing is an integral part of our team.”

Marcella Albanese

Scituate Concrete: “They answer my questions in a timely manner, come on-site for our random testing and help keep us informed of and in compliance with, regulatory changes like the Clearinghouse. I have had only positive experiences when working with ADT.”

Albanese D&S: “Since 2006, Advantage has consistently provided excellent compliance support for our business, answered our questions and sent technicians to our office and job sites. The office staff is great, providing friendly and knowledgeable customer service.”

Gilda Albanese

Shea Concrete: “Since 2010, Advantage has been providing us with excellent service. With both on-site testing capability and FMCSA compliance support, I have found the company to be a valuable resource.” –

Greg Stratis

4 High Street, Suite 131, North Andover, MA 01845 978-475-1312 — AdvantageDrugTesting.com

If your needs are big or small, custom or stock, let the experts at Together let’s upgrade the nation’s infrastructure! Contact our UCANE Sales Reps! Jason Lindsey: 203-464-7667 Bill Augustus: 508-688-9566

UCANE is strengthened when members give other members an opportunity to bid!

Ben Cavallo C&S Insurance Agency

5 Strategies for Managing Construction Risk

Working in the construction industry means you and your company are exposed to a variety of risks on a daily basis. From physical injuries to property damage to reputational harm, it’s crucial to protect your construction business from financial and legal repercussions with an appropriate risk management plan. Read on to learn more about five strategies you can use to help improve worker safety and protect your bottom line.

1. Hire Trained Skilled Laborers

While some construction managers may cut corners and hire less experienced workers in order to save money on payroll costs, this practice can leave you exposed to greater risk. Unskilled workers are more likely to make mistakes, which can often result in injury or property damage.

Furthermore, certain heavy equipment — such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts — require operators to have training or experience certifications. If you allow untrained workers to operate such equipment, you could face expensive monetary penalties from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Avoid mishaps and OSHA fees by prioritizing the safety and training of your construction workers.

2. Address Employee Medical Issues Early

According to OSHA, the top four risks encountered by construction workers are falling, being struck by moving objects/vehicles, being caught in trenches, and electrocution. Whenever any injury occurs, it is essential that you address the injury immediately — even if it is deemed minor — to prevent further exacerbation of harm.

Not only does emphasizing immediate care help your injured employees return to work faster, but it also helps prevent ongoing chronic pain issues that could lead to opioid addiction, which has become a major problem, especially for those in construction.. American Addiction Centers reports that three out of four injured construction workers were prescribed opioids for pain in 2016. Additionally, they note that construction workers are seven times more likely to die from opioid overdoses than workers in other industries. Taking a proactive approach to medical care will help keep workers safe in the long term.

3. Get Ahead of Auto-related Risks

The risks don’t start and stop at your construction site. Oftentimes, construction workers use companyowned vehicles to haul materials and equipment to wherever they are needed. Ensure that your business is protected in the event of auto accidents by carrying the continued on page 59