Auger drilling is a method used to install steel pipe beneath surfaces. An auger is placed inside a section of steel pipe, and excess soil is removed by the auger blades. The procedure requires a large rectangular pit on each side of the work area. Auger drilling is effective for installing sections of pipe with a maximum combined length of 500 feet. The procedure works best in soils above the water table, and dewatering measures must be taken when ground water is present.
Auger drilling is a jack-and-hole drilling method typically used for installing steel pipe beneath an existing surface. This drilling method generally uses an auger that is placed inside a section of steel pipe. A large rectangular pit is usually dug on each side of the work area to house the steel pipe and machinery used in this procedure. The pipe casing is placed in place while drilling and excess soil is transferred out of the pipe by the auger blades. After the steel pipe casing is in place, the auger is removed and the working pit filled.
Auger boring is typically done by placing an auger equipped with a cutting head inside 18-48 inch (46-122 cm) diameter steel pipe. The auger is then attached to the rotation shaft of a drilling machine. Steel pipe casing is typically installed in lengths of 20 feet (6 m), so an entry shaft that is at least 35 feet (10.6 m) long is required to accommodate the combined length of pipe and drilling machinery. An exit pit is usually dug at the opposite end of the working area, although this is not always necessary. Auger drilling can be used effectively to install sections of pipe with a maximum combined length of no more than 500 feet (152m).
The basic auger drilling procedure is to rotate the auger bit while the steel pipe casing is secured in place with a jack. The rotation of the cutting tip of the auger loosens soil, rocks and other material before the pipe passes. The loose material travels back along the auger blades into the inlet pit where it is removed by an excavator. When a section of steel pipe has been installed, the drilling procedure is temporarily halted while another section is welded onto the first. The drilling procedure continues in this way until the final length of pipe is installed.
Auger drilling generally works best in soils that are above the water table. When ground water is present during a drilling operation, special dewatering measures must be taken to prevent the steel pipe casing from being flooded with water. Once the last length of carcass has reached the exit pit, the auger and cutter assembly is removed. After the drill rig has been detached from the steel pipe, utility pipes or cables are routed through the casing and the remaining space is usually filled with mortar. Both the entry and exit pits are then filled with soil to complete the auger drilling procedure.
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