Hiring a Civil
Directional Drilling Contractor:
Understanding the Costs

Summary

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Hiring a civil horizontal directional drilling contractor in Australia can be costly, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Factors such as bore length and diameter, type of soil or rock, the bore's distance, and the site's location can all affect this cost.

 

To ensure you get the best value for your investment while minimising costs, it is important to carefully plan the project and work with an experienced and reputable contractor.

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Hiring a Civil Directional Drilling Contractor: Understanding the Costs

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As the demand for underground infrastructure grows, the need for directional drilling contractors is rising. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a unique and efficient way of installing Telecommunications, Power, Water, Gas & Fibre in built-up areas that need new utilities.

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The key benefit of Directional Drilling in civil construction is less damage to surrounding assets, e.g. like, roads, driveways and footpaths. HDD leaves minimal surface disruption and damage, as it is a specialised technique that involves drilling and boring beneath the ground to install pipes, conduits, and cables.

 

HDD employs vacuum excavation to safely and efficiently remove soil and debris from the area surrounding the drilled borehole. Vacuum excavation reduces the risk of damaging underground utilities and other structures during construction.

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It is a challenging job that requires skilled professionals using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure precision and accuracy.

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If you plan to hire a directional drilling contractor, one of the most important considerations is the cost. The cost can vary widely depending on several key factors.

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In this article, we will explore the costs of hiring a directional drilling contractor and those factors to which you should give special attention when determining your budget estimate.

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What are the costs of hiring a directional drilling contractor?

 

The costs of hiring an HDD contractor depend on many factors, including the length and diameter of the bore, the type of soil or rock, the bore's distance, and the site's location. However, the costs are typically separated into top-level categories as follows:

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1. Mobilisation and Demobilisation Costs

The mobilisation and demobilisation costs include the expenses associated with moving the equipment and personnel to and from the site. This can include transportation costs, labour costs, and the cost of setting up and dismantling the equipment.

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2. Boring Costs

The boring costs are the expenses associated with drilling and boring the hole. This can include the cost of the drill bit, drilling mud, and other materials used in the drilling process. It will also include the vacuum excavation costs.

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3. Pipe and Conduit Installation Costs

The pipe and conduit installation costs are the expenses associated with installing the pipe or conduit into the borehole. This can include the cost of the pipe or conduit, the fittings, and any other materials required for installation.

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4. Restoration Costs

Although directional drilling causes minimal disruption, there are still necessary restoration costs, including the expenses of restoring the site after the drilling is complete. This can include the cost of backfilling, landscaping and repairing any damage caused during the drilling process.

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5. Miscellaneous Costs

The miscellaneous costs can include any other expenses not covered by the above categories. This can include permit fees, environmental assessments, and other additional expenses associated with civil construction. Additionally, any extra excavation equipment that needs to be brought in, such as pumps or large trucks, will add to the overall cost of vacuum excavation for the project.

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What other factors affect the cost of directional drilling?

 

Some of the other important detailed factors that can affect the overall cost include:

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1. Length and Diameter of the Bore

The length and diameter of the bore are important factors that can affect the overall cost of the project. Longer and larger diameter bores are more expensive to drill than shorter and smaller ones.

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2. Type of Soil or Rock

The soil or rock type also affects the project's overall cost. Softer soils are typically easier and less expensive to drill through than harder soils or rock formations. The cost factors affecting vacuum excavation include the size of the area, the type of material being removed, and any additional equipment or labour required for the job.

 

The size of the area being excavated will determine how much material needs to be removed, while different types of materials may require specialised equipment or additional labour to properly extract them.

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3. Distance of the Bore

The distance of the bore from the drilling equipment can also affect the project's overall cost. Longer distances may require more equipment and personnel, increasing the project's cost.

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4. Location of the Site

The location of the site can also affect the overall cost of the project. Sites located in remote areas or with difficult access may require additional transportation and labour costs.

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