Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) holds enormous potential, but many utility industry stakeholders still struggle with common challenges—from difficult soil conditions to tooling mismatches. That’s why proper planning is key to unlocking HDD’s full capabilities.
“A lot of people have a basic familiarity with HDD and have maybe even used it once or twice in the past,” said Dr. Samuel Ariaratnam, a Professor and Sunstate Chair of Construction Management & Engineering at Arizona State University. “They understand the benefits of HDD and would like to incorporate it more. They just need to gain a little deeper understanding of what the options are and how this technology is getting better and better.”
Ariaratnam will be hosting a Field Classroom titled “Overcoming Common HDD Challenges Through Proper Planning” at the upcoming Utility Expo.
Common HDD Challenges
From misjudging subsurface conditions to using the wrong tooling or underestimating the complexity of fluid management, HDD projects can go sideways without careful planning. Dr. Ariaratnam says poor pre-job assessments are among the biggest reasons HDD fails to meet expectations.
“It all starts with understanding what you’re drilling into, and preparing the right solutions ahead of time,” he explains.
Planning Makes the Difference
“We’ll be looking at some of the more advanced solutions in the HDD space, such as mapping technologies and other planning tools,” Ariaratnam said. “We’ll also be looking at the different methods and tooling available when encountering challenging jobsite conditions, such as rock. Understanding what’s available will help utility industry stakeholders incorporate HDD into more of their projects. A big part of successfully using HDD is being able to anticipate and understand things like soil conditions so you can properly plan a project. I’ve visited hundreds of HDD jobsites all over the world. I’ve seen just about everything.”
Ariaratnam will explain how technologies like ground-penetrating radar, GIS mapping, and pre-construction modeling can provide the insight needed to minimize risk and maximize success.
See Planning in Action at The Utility Expo
A self-described "HDD evangelist", Ariaratnam is a big believer that education is the key to more widespread adoption of HDD technology. A big part of that education is having the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the equipment in action. That’s what he’ll be bringing to The Utility Expo in October.
Because Ariaratnam’s session is a Field Classroom, attendees will walk with him around the outside demonstration area to visit key HDD exhibitors and watch the equipment in action.
“Attendees will see how careful planning, proper tooling selection, and optimized drilling fluids come together to make rock boring possible,” Ariaratnam said. “This kind of firsthand experience drives home how critical the planning phase really is.”
Other innovative HDD solutions that will be demonstrated include ramming technology and drilling fluid recycling, as well as methods like potholing and vacuum excavating. On that note, Ariaratnam will also be covering essential HDD best practices to make sure any project is completed safely and efficiently.
Top Planning Best Practices Dr. Ariaratnam Will Cover:
- Assessing and classifying soil conditions early
- Selecting the right tooling and fluids for the job
- Building a contingency plan for unexpected subsurface obstacles
- Integrating new mapping and data technologies into pre-job planning
- Understanding the role of support equipment like potholing and fluid recycling
“Over the past few years, I’ve seen a growing hunger among the engineering community in particular to learn more about HDD,” Ariaratnam related. “So, a big part of this session is me just being there to answer questions, or the manufacturer experts in the outdoor exhibit booths helping answer questions. My objective is that every attendee leaves with a better understanding of the ancillary equipment available for an HDD project. Because when packaged altogether, people can really realize the benefits of HDD.”
About the Speaker
Dr. Samuel Ariaratnam earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD in civil engineering. He has been a professor of construction engineering for 29 years, which includes his current role at Arizona State University. He also provides private consulting, working with engineers, contractors, and other utility industry stakeholders to help them overcome challenges encountered on construction projects.
Ariaratnam first became fascinated with Horizontal Directional Drilling in 1996.
“Early in my career, I was a civil engineering professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton,” Ariaratnam said. “That’s an area of Canada that’s quite prominent for oil and gas. I immediately saw the connection to HDD technology.”
Ariaratnam quickly immersed himself in the world of HDD. He forged numerous connections with pioneers who helped him to better understand the nuances of HDD. He has since been involved with numerous research projects related to directional drilling to better understand the technology from an engineering standpoint.
“I have become a real advocate for HDD technology,” Ariaratnam related. “I travel all over the world talking about it, including a lecture tour of five countries in Southeast Asia I completed earlier this year. There still is a general lack of knowledge about HDD. We have to get the word out there. Education is the key, which is why I’m really excited about what The Utility Expo is doing. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Register for Advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling at The Utility Expo
You can register for one of Dr. Sam Ariaratnam’s two sessions on advanced HDD planning right here on The Utility Expo website. Space is limited to 30 people per session.
The Utility Expo’s comprehensive education program is the leading source for the utility industry to obtain cutting-edge information for today’s challenging economy and business model. In addition to Horizontal Directional Drilling, topics include aerial devices, vacuum excavating, safety technology, equipment hydraulics, and more.
Want to dive deeper into HDD and other underground utility solutions? Industry-leading HDD equipment brands will be on-site at The Utility Expo. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and demo the latest tech firsthand.
New to HDD? Get the Basics
If you’re newer to Horizontal Directional Drilling and looking for a solid foundation, Dr. Ariaratnam will also be leading a separate Field Classroom called “Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD): Fundamentals of the Technology and Applications.” This session is designed to help attendees build confidence with the basics—from how HDD equipment works to ideal applications and entry-level planning tools.
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