Field Tests on HDPE Pipes Installed Using Horizontal Directional Drilling

TLDR

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) installs pipelines by pulling pipe through a horizontal borehole and is increasingly popular, yet little field research has examined its impact on pipe performance. This study presents the results of two field tests on instrumented high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes installed by HDD. The tests used 200 mm diameter, SDR 17 HDPE pipes pulled along 55 m and 90 m borepaths, with pressure transducer and strain gauge data recorded during pull‑back and for several hours post‑installation. Recorded strains and calculated axial strains varied over time and along the borepath, illustrating the pipe’s response to HDD installation.

Abstract

The results of two field tests on instrumented high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes installed using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are presented in this paper. HDD is a method of installing underground pipelines that involves pulling the pipe through a horizontal borehole. HDD is increasing in popularity; however, little field research has been conducted examining the effect of this installation method on the pipe. The presented tests involved 200 mm (8 in.) diameter, standard dimension ratio (SDR) 17 HDPE pipes pulled along 55 and 90 m (180 and 295 ft) borepaths. The results include readings from a pressure transducer attached to the drill rig hydraulic system and strain gauge readings from instrumented test sections at different locations in the pipes. The presented results were recorded during the pull-back operations and for several hours after the installations were completed. The recorded strains and calculated axial strains are shown versus time and versus the approximate location in the borepath.