22 Oct

Trenching/Open Cut Vs Directional Boring – Which to Use?

Trenching/Open Cut Vs Directional Boring – Which to Use?

When it comes to getting oil or gas for utilities, there are two different ways that are used. These two methods are called open cut/trenching and directional boring. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, so we are going to compare them below.

Trenching, also called open cut, is the way that’s most commonly used for installing and connecting utilities. However, it has its limitations. You can only use this method when the ground that’s above your utilities is able to be disturbed. There also can’t be any roadways, buildings or other kinds of obstructions.  However, directional boring is something that can be used in the same situations as trenching. The difference is that it also can be used to go beneath sidewalks, roads, and even buildings if need be.

When it comes to costs, trenching tends to be lower in price than directional boring. The price is anywhere from 6-8 times less. Both of these techniques usually will completement one another – plowing or trenching is much more cost effective, but it also has limitations. Directional boring takes care of the things that trenching can’t do, but it costs more. If you want to know which one is better, without weighing in the cost, directional billing would be the winner. It can do everything plowing and trenching can do and a lot more.

If you are trying to figure out which one is best for your project, think about the area and your budget. This will help you with finding the one that is best for you.