Minimal disruption and maximal accuracy for two parallel HDDs under university campus

In April 2024, Brownline USA surveyed two parallel HDD crossings in Baton Rouge, LA with the Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool. These crossings took place on the Louisiana State University campus. There were many challenges in this HDD project, which is why the Drillguide GST played a key role in the completion of the pilot bores.

The Louisiana State University (LSU) campus in Baton Rouge is modernizing its water infrastructure. The facilities on the campus grounds were outdated and limited in their capacity.

As part of this project, two 42” HDPE pipelines were installed underground. One line will supply the campus with chilled water, used to cool the buildings’ air. The second pipeline, installed 5 m / 15 ft next to the first, will be used as a return line.

Minimizing surface disruption

One of the challenges when working on the LSU campus is the high volume of vehicle and foot traffic, as students and staff total around 40,000 people. Keeping the disruption to a minimum was therefore very important for this project. Preserving the nature on the campus, including historic oak trees, was an important condition as well.

This is where Brownline’s Drillguide Gyro Steering Tool offers a solution, since it works without needing any grids or other equipment on the surface above the bore. By working with the Drillguide GST, the drilling contractor, Spartan Directional, could rely on highly accurate measurements while minimizing the disruption on the surface.

Accurate guidance through compound curves

The two bores were 597 m / 1959 ft in length. Three horizontal curves were made, including compound curves. Accurate guidance from our Drillguide GST resulted in smoothly steered curves, staying true to the planned line.

The pilot bores were completed with the highest accuracy. This contributed to the efficiency of the pullback operations. With the new pipes installed, the LSU campus will now benefit from an efficient system for its energy needs.

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