Guided Auger Boring

Guided auger boring is a trenchless technique used to install utilities, which are carried out between two shafts of approximately 2m in diameter.  This method is used primarily for sewer installations as it gives a greater degree of accuracy but can be used wherever needed particularly when there is no room for a directional drilling machine.

The auger machine is set up in the launch shaft by an engineer using specialist equipment.  The pilot rods are pushed through the ground towards the reception shaft and are constantly monitored by a camera throughout the process.  The direction of the pilot rod can be adjusted by rotating the rod to guide the steering head with pinpoint accuracy.

The pilot rods are followed by the steel auger sections which are the same size as the final pipe which enlarges the bore.  The excavated materials are collected in a skip and lifted out, and as the pilot rods enter the reception pit they are also removed.

The final pipe is installed by attaching it to the last auger and casing and pushing it through the ground behind it, this causes the casings to enter the reception pit where they are also removed.  The process is repeated until all the casings have been removed leaving the fully installed pipe.

 As with directional drilling guided auger boring does very little damage to the environment and causes minimal disruption to the general public.