Risk assessment and mitigation development for HDD construction

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Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is an effective means of constructing transmission infrastructure that minimizes the impact on the environment, surface and subsurface infrastructure, wildlife and communities. In addition, HDD often reduces construction time and allows for construction in any season. However, the routine challenges and unknowns associated with construction in underground conditions have tied HDD projects with numerous construction risks and unplanned events resulting in significant schedule delays and cost over-runs. The University and The Crossing Company have established a collaborative research partnership to conduct a comprehensive risk study that uses the physical data from completed HDD projects to identify as many risk categories associated with HDD construction as possible. The proposed research program will build upon the knowledge gained from a preliminary study conducted in 2011 and will provide more insight by conducting quantitative risk analysis and developing risk mitigation strategies for HDD projects. Mitigation strategies and models to monitor and control high annular pressures and accurately predicting pull-back forces in varying ground conditions will aid in the planning and construction stages of HDD allowing for successful installations of product line under proposed budgets and schedules. Two PhD and two MSc students and two postdoctoral fellows will be trained as a result of the proposed research program. Deliverables from the proposed study will include HDD guidelines and installation models. The proposed research will enhance the success and productivity of the HDD industry in Canada and internationally, promoting Canada as a leader in this field.