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Chapter 12 421

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling


Introduction
The Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Industry has experienced
so much growth in the past two decades that HDD has become
commonplace as a method of installation. One source reported
that the number of units in use increased by more than a hundredfold in the decade following 1984. This growth has been driven
by the benefits offered to utility owners (such as the elimination
of traffic disruption and minimal surface damage) and by the
ingenuity of contractors in developing this technology. To date,
HDD pipe engineering has focused on installation techniques, and
rightfully so. In many cases, the pipe experiences its maximum
lifetime loads during the pullback operation.
The purpose of this chapter is to acquaint the reader with some of
the important considerations in selecting the proper PE pipe. Proper
selection of pipe involves consideration not only of installation
design factors such as pullback force limits and collapse resistance,
but also of the long-term performance of the pipe once installed in
the bore-hole. The information herein is not all-inclusive; there may
be parameters not discussed that will have significant bearing on
the proper engineering of an application and the pipe selection.
For specific projects, the reader is advised to consult with a qualified
engineer to evaluate the project and prepare a specification
including recommendations for design and installation and for pipe
selection. The reader may find additional design and installation
information in ASTM F1962, Standard Guide for Use of MaxiHorizontal Directional Drilling for Placement of PE Pipe or Conduit
Under Obstacles, Including River Crossings, and in the ASCE
Manual of Practice 108, Pipeline Design for Installation by
Directional Drilling.

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Background
Some of the earliest uses of large diameter PE pipe in directional drilling were for
river crossings. These are major engineering projects requiring thoughtful design,
installation, and construction, while offering the owner the security of deep river
bed cover with minimum environmental damage or exposure, and no disruption of
river traffic. PE pipe is suited for these installations because of its scratch tolerance
and the fused joining system which gives a zero-leak-rate joint with design tensile
capacity equal to that of the pipe.
To date, directional drillers have installed PE pipe for gas, water, and sewer mains;
communication conduits; electrical conduits; and a variety of chemical lines.
These projects involved not only river crossings but also highway crossings and
right-of-ways through developed areas so as not to disturb streets, driveways, and
business entrances.

PE Pipe for Horizontal Directional Drilling


This chapter gives information on the pipe selection and design process. It is not
intended to be a primer on directional drilling. The reader seeking such information
can refer to the references of this chapter. Suggested documents are the MiniHorizontal Directional Drilling Manual(1) and the Horizontal Directional
Drilling Good Practices Guidelines(2) published by the North American Society for
Trenchless Technology (NASTT).
Horizontal Directional Drilling Process
Knowledge of the directional drilling process by the reader is assumed, but some
review may be of value in establishing common terminology. Briefly, the HDD
process begins with boring a small, horizontal hole (pilot hole) under the crossing
obstacle (e.g. a highway) with a continuous string of steel drill rod. When the bore
head and rod emerge on the opposite side of the crossing, a special cutter, called a
back reamer, is attached and pulled back through the pilot hole. The reamer bores
out the pilot hole so that the pipe can be pulled through. The pipe is usually pulled
through from the side of the crossing opposite the drill rig.
Pilot Hole
Pilot hole reaming is the key to a successful directional drilling project. It is as
important to an HDD pipeline as backfill placement is to an open-cut pipeline.
Properly trained crews can make the difference between a successful and an
unsuccessful drilling program for a utility. Several institutions provide operatortraining programs, one of which is University of Texas at Arlington Center for
Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE). Drilling the pilot hole

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establishes the path of the drill rod (drill-path) and subsequently the location of
the PE pipe. Typically, the bore-head is tracked electronically so as to guide the hole
to a pre-designed configuration. One of the key considerations in the design of the
drill-path is creating as large a radius of curvature as possible within the limits of
the right-of-way, thus minimizing curvature. Curvature induces bending stresses
and increases the pullback load due to the capstan effect. The capstan effect is the
increase in frictional drag when pulling the pipe around a curve due to a component
of the pulling force acting normal to the curvature. Higher tensile stresses reduce
the pipes collapse resistance. The drill-path normally has curvature along its vertical
profile. Curvature requirements are dependent on site geometry (crossing length,
required depth to provide safe cover, staging site location, etc.) But, the degree
of curvature is limited by the bending radius of the drill rod and the pipe. More
often, the permitted bending radius of the drill rod controls the curvature and thus
significant bending stresses do not occur in the pipe. The designer should minimize
the number of curves and maximize their radii of curvature in the right-of-way
by carefully choosing the entry and exit points. The driller should also attempt to
minimize extraneous curvature due to undulations (dog-legs) from frequent overcorrecting alignment or from differences in the soil strata or cobbles.
Pilot Hole Reaming
The REAMING operation consists of using an appropriate tool to open the pilot
hole to a slightly larger diameter than the carrier pipeline. The percentage oversize
depends on many variables including soil types, soil stability, depth, drilling mud,
borehole hydrostatic pressure, etc. Normal over-sizing may be from 1.2 to 1.5 times
the diameter of the carrier pipe. While the over-sizing is necessary for insertion, it
means that the inserted pipe will have to sustain vertical earth pressures without
significant side support from the surrounding soil.
Prior to pullback, a final reaming pass is normally made using the same sized
reamer as will be used when the pipe is pulled back (swab pass). The swab pass
cleans the borehole, removes remaining fine gravels or clay clumps and can compact
the borehole walls.
Drilling Mud
Usually a drilling mud such as fluid bentonite clay is injected into the bore during
cutting and reaming to stabilize the hole and remove soil cuttings. Drilling mud
can be made from clay or polymers. The primary clay for drilling mud is sodium
montmorillonite (bentonite). Properly ground and refined bentonite is added to
fresh water to produce a mud. The mud reduces drilling torque, and gives stability
and support to the bored hole. The fluid must have sufficient gel strength to keep
cuttings suspended for transport, to form a filter cake on the borehole wall that

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contains the water within the drilling fluid, and to provide lubrication between the
pipe and the borehole on pullback. Drilling fluids are designed to match the soil
and cutter. They are monitored throughout the process to make sure the bore stays
open, pumps are not overworked, and fluid circulation throughout the borehole is
maintained. Loss of circulation could cause a locking up and possibly overstressing
of the pipe during pullback.
Drilling muds are thixotropic and thus thicken when left undisturbed after pullback.
However, unless cementitious agents are added, the thickened mud is no stiffer than
very soft clay. Drilling mud provides little to no soil side-support for the pipe.
Pullback
The pullback operation involves pulling the entire pipeline length in one segment
(usually) back through the drilling mud along the reamed-hole pathway. Proper pipe
handling, cradling, bending minimization, surface inspection, and fusion welding
procedures need to be followed. Axial tension force readings, constant insertion
velocity, mud flow circulation/exit rates, and footage length installed should be
recorded. The pullback speed ranges usually between 1 to 2 feet per minute.
Mini-Horizontal Directional Drilling
The Industry distinguishes between mini-HDD and conventional HDD, which is
sometimes referred to as maxi-HDD. Mini-HDD rigs can typically handle pipes up
to 10 or 12 diameter and are used primarily for utility construction in urban areas,
whereas HDD rigs are typically capable of handling pipes as large as 48diamter.
These machines have significantly larger pullback forces ranging up to several
hundred thousand pounds.
General Guidelines
The designer will achieve the most efficient design for an application by consulting
with an experienced contractor and a qualified engineer. Here are some general
considerations that may help particularly in regard to site location for PE pipes:
1. Select the crossing route to keep it to the shortest reasonable distance.
2. Find routes and sites where the pipeline can be constructed in one continuous
length; or at least in long multiple segments fused together during insertion.
3. Although compound curves have been done, try to use as straight a drill path as
possible.
4. Avoid entry and exit elevation differences in excess of 50 feet; both points should
be as close as possible to the same elevation.

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5. Locate all buried structures and utilities within 10 feet of the drill-path for miniHDD applications and within 25 feet of the drill-path for maxi-HDD applications.
Crossing lines are typically exposed for exact location.
6. Observe and avoid above-ground structures, such as power lines, which might
limit the height available for construction equipment.
7. The HDD process takes very little working space versus other methods.
However, actual site space varies somewhat depending upon the crossing
distance, pipe diameter, and soil type.
8. Long crossings with large diameter pipe need bigger, more powerful equipment
and drill rig.
9. As pipe diameter increases, large volumes of drilling fluids must be pumped,
requiring more/larger pumps and mud-cleaning and storage equipment.
10. Space requirements for maxi-HDD rigs can range from a 100 feet wide by 150 feet
long entry plot for a 1000 ft crossing up to 200 feet wide by 300 feet long area for a
crossing of 3000 or more feet.
11. On the pipe side of the crossing, sufficient temporary space should be rented to
allow fusing and joining the PE carrier pipe in a continuous string beginning
about 75 feet beyond the exit point with a width of 35 to 50 feet, depending on the
pipe diameter. Space requirements for coiled pipe are considerably less. Larger
pipe sizes require larger and heavier construction equipment which needs more
maneuvering room (though use of PE minimizes this). The initial pipe side exit
location should be about 50 W x 100 L for most crossings, up to 100 W x 150 L
for equipment needed in large diameter crossings.
12. Obtain as-built drawings based on the final course followed by the reamer
and the installed pipeline. The gravity forces may have caused the reamer to go
slightly deeper than the pilot hole, and the buoyant pipe may be resting on the
crown of the reamed hole. The as-built drawings are essential to know the exact
pipeline location and to avoid future third party damage.
Safety
Safety is a primary consideration for every directionally drilled project. While this
chapter does not cover safety, there are several manuals that discuss safety including
the manufacturers Operators Manual for the drilling rig and the Equipment
Manufacturers Institute (EMI) Safety Manual: Directional Drilling
Tracking Equipment.(3)

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Geotechnical Investigation
Before any serious thought is given to the pipe design or installation, the designer
will normally conduct a comprehensive geotechnical study to identify soil
formations at the potential bore sites. The purpose of the investigation is not only
to determine if directional drilling is feasible, but to establish the most efficient way
to accomplish it. With this information the best crossing route can be determined,
drilling tools and procedures selected, and the pipe designed. The extent of the
geotechnical investigation often depends on the pipe diameter, bore length and
the nature of the crossing. Refer to ASTM F1962, Guide for Use of Maxi-Horizontal
Directional Drilling for Placement of Polyethylene Pipe or Conduit Under Obstacles,
Including River Crossings(4) and ASCE MOP 108, Pipeline Design for Installation by
Horizontal Directional Drilling(5) for additional information.
During the survey, the geotechnical consultant will identify a number of relevant
items including the following:
a. Soil identification to locate rock, rock inclusions, gravelly soils, loose deposits,
discontinuities and hardpan.
b. Soil strength and stability characteristics
c. Groundwater
(Supplemental geotechnical data may be obtained from existing records, e.g. recent
nearby bridge constructions, other pipeline/cable crossings in the area.)
For long crossings, borings are typically taken at 700 ft intervals. For short crossings
(1000 ft or less), as few as three borings may suffice. The borings should be near the
drill-path to give accurate soil data, but sufficiently far from the borehole to avoid
pressurized mud from following natural ground fissures and rupturing to the
ground surface through the soil-test bore hole. A rule-of -thumb is to take borings
at least 30 ft to either side of bore path. Although these are good general rules, the
number, depth and location of boreholes is best determined by the geotechnical
engineer.
Geotechnical Data For River Crossings
River crossings require additional information such as a study to identify river
bed, river bed depth, stability (lateral as well as scour), and river width. Typically,
pipes are installed to a depth of at least 20 ft below the expected future river
bottom, considering scour. Soil borings for geotechnical investigation are generally
conducted to 40 ft below river bottom.

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Summary
The best conducted projects are handled by a team approach with the design
engineer, bidding contractors and geotechnical engineer participating prior to the
preparation of contract documents. The geotechnical investigation is usually the
first step in the boring project. Once the geotechnical investigation is completed, a
determination can be made whether HDD can be used. At that time, design of both
the PE pipe and the installation can begin. The preceding paragraphs represent
general guidance and considerations for planning and designing an HDD PE
pipeline project. These overall topics can be very detailed in nature. Individual HDD
contractors and consultant engineering firms should be contacted and utilized in the
planning and design stage. Common sense along with a rational in-depth analysis
of all pertinent considerations should prevail. Care should be given in evaluating
and selecting an HDD contractor based upon successful projects, qualifications,
experience and diligence. A team effort, strategic partnership and risk-sharing may
be indicated.
Product Design: PE Pipe DR Selection
After completion of the geotechnical investigation and determination that HDD
is feasible, the designer turns attention to selecting the proper pipe. The proper
pipe must satisfy all hydraulic requirements of the line including flow capacity,
working pressure rating, and surge or vacuum capacity. These considerations have
to be met regardless of the method of installation. Design of the pipe for hydraulic
considerations can be found in Chapter 6. For HDD applications, in addition to
the hydraulic requirements, the pipe must be able to withstand (1) pullback loads
which include tensile pull forces, external hydrostatic pressure, and tensile bending
stresses, and (2) external service loads (post-installation soil, groundwater, and
surcharge loads occurring over the life of the pipeline). Often the load the pipe sees
during installation such as the combined pulling force and external pressure will
be the largest load experienced by the pipe during its life. The remainder of this
document will discuss the DR (Dimension Ratio) selection based on pullback and
external service loads. (PE pipe is classified by DR. The DR is the dimension ratio
and equals the pipes outer diameter divided by the minimum wall thickness.) A
more detailed explanation of the DR concept is provided in Chapter 5.
While this chapter gives guidelines to assist the designer, the designer assumes all
responsibility for determining the appropriateness and applicability of the equations
and parameters given in this chapter for any specific application. Directional drilling
is an evolving technology, and industry-wide design protocols are still developing.
Proper design requires considerable professional judgment beyond the scope of
this chapter. The designer is advised to consult ASTM F 1962, Guide for Use of
Maxi-Horizontal Directional Drilling for Placement of Polyethylene Pipe or Conduit

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428 Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Under Obstacles, Including River Crossings(4) when preparing an HDD design. This
methodology is applied to designing municipal water pipe crossings as shown in
Petroff(6).
Normally, the designer starts the DR selection process by determining the DR
requirement for the internal pressure. The designer will then determine if this DR
is sufficient to withstand earth, live, and groundwater service loads. If so, then the
installation (pullback) forces are considered. Ultimately, the designer chooses a
DR that will satisfy all three requirements: the pressure, the service loads, and the
pullback load.
Although there can be some pipe wall stresses generated by the combination of
internal pressurization and wall bending or localized bearing, generally internal
pressure and external service load stresses are treated as independent. This is
permissible primarily since PE is a ductile material and failure is usually driven by
the average stress rather than local maximums. There is a high safety factor applied
to the internal pressure, and internal pressurization significantly reduces stresses
due to external loads by re-rounding. (One exception to this is internal vacuum,
which must be combined with the external pressure.)

Figure 1 Borehole Deformation

Design Considerations for Net External Loads


This and the following sections will discuss external buried loads that occur on
directionally drilled pipes. One important factor in determining what load reaches the
pipe is the condition of the borehole, i.e. whether it stays round and open or collapses.
This will depend in great part on the type of ground, the boring techniques, and the
presence of slurry (drilling mud and cutting mixture). If the borehole does not deform
(stays round) after drilling, earth loads are arched around the borehole and little soil
pressure is transmitted to the pipe. The pressure acting on the pipe is the hydrostatic
pressure due to the slurry or any groundwater present. The slurry itself may act to
keep the borehole open. If the borehole collapses or deforms substantially, earth

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nes, consideration should be given to the time the line sits


fter construction. This may be several months. Most directionally
contain fluid will have a static head, which will remain in the lineChapter 12
s head may be subtracted from the external pressureHorizontal
dueDirectional
to Drilling
er load. The designer should keep in mind that the external load
ith time, for example, flooding.

429

pressure
will be applied to the pipe. The resulting pressure could exceed the slurry
ROUNDWATER
PRESSURE

pressure unless considerable tunnel arching occurs above the borehole. Where no
tunnel arching occurs, the applied external pressure is equal to the combined earth,
reach
whenandthe
deforms
andinor,
contacts
can
be the
usedpipe
to establish
theborehole
net
external
pressure
as it isthe
groundwater,
live-load
pressure.
For
river
crossings,
unconsolidated
river bed
nt
soil loadsoils,
transmitted
toanticipated
the pipe
will
depend
on
the
extent
of
little arching
is
. The
applied
pressure
likely
equals
theofdifferential
pressure
between
the
inside
and outside
of the
thegeostatic
(sometimesbetween
called the prism
load).
In consolidated
soils,soil.
archingEarth
above the
d the relativestress
stiffness
the
pipe
and the
borehole
andcomplexity,
the applied pressure
will likely
less than
the geostatic
ot be uniform.
Duemaytooccur,
this
there
is be
not
a simple
stress, even after total collapse of the borehole crown onto the pipe. If the soil deposit
ting
earth load
to height ofnet
cover. Groundwater
loading
will occur
borehole
condition,
pressure
is defined
bywith little or
is a stiff clay,the
cemented, orexternal
partially lithified,
the borehole
may stay open
uations
can
be
used
to
establish
the
net
external
pressure
or,
as it is
e deforms ornonot;
the only
question
is borehole):
whether
or not
slurry
med/collapsed
borehole)
orthis
Eq.
2the
(open
deformation.
In
case,
applied
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to be the
just the
slurry head or
alled,
themay
differential
between
the what
insideloads
and outside
of the
and
thus
in fact pressure
control
design.
Thus,
reach the
groundwater
head.

the stability
borehole.
Pon
addition
PofI theto(1)
the overt external pressures such as slurry head and groundwater,
E  PGW  PSUR In
following equations
can
be used to establish the net external pressure or, as it is
internal vacuum in the pipe results in an increase in external pressure due to the
sometimes
called,
differential
between
the
inside
on
the borehole
condition,
the
net pressure
external
pressure
is
defined
by outside of the
rmining
the removal
loads
reaching
the
pipeinside
depends
detailed
ofthe
atmospheric
pressure
from
the
pipe. On on
the
other
hand, aand
positive
pipe.
internal pressure
in the pipe
external
pressure.engineer
The following
borehole)
or may
Eq.mediate
2 (open
borehole):
edeformed/collapsed
soil, the designer
may
wish
to
consult
athe
geotechnical
can be used to establish the net external pressure or, as it is sometimes
determining equations
earth and
groundwater loads.
called,
the
differential
pressure between the inside andexternal
outside of the
pipe.
Depending
on
the
borehole
pressure
is defined by
PN PE PPNGW PMUD
PSUR PIPI
(1) condition, the net(2)
on the borehole
the net external
is defined
by either
Eq. 1Depending
(deformed/collapsed
borehole)
or Eq.pressure
2 (open
borehole):
e either
- Groundwater
Pressure
Onlycondition,
Eq. 1 (deformed/collapsed borehole) or Eq. 2 (open borehole):

=lled
Netstable
external
pressure,
PN PE round
Ppsi
PSUR deforms
 PI
(1)
if it(1)remains
little after drilling. For
GW and
External
pressure
due
to
earth
pressure,
psi
in competent rock will typically result in a stable borehole. Stable
=
Groundwater
height
of riverpressure
water),
Ppressure
PMUD (including
PI slurry the
(2)
occur
in some(2)
soils
the
exerts
sufficient
to
N where
d and open hole. Since the deformations around the hole are
Where
=
Surcharge
and
live
psi are negligible. The external load
sures
transmitted
to loads,
the
pipe
P N = Net external
pressure, psi
=
Net
external
pressure,
psithe
P
PNin
PMUD
 PI of due
(2)
nternal
pressure,
psi
(negative
event
vacuum)
peN consists
only
of the
hydrostatic
pressure
to the slurry or
PE = External
pressure
due to earth
pressure,
psi
P
=
External
pressure
due
to
earth
pressure,
psi
pressure
of(including
drilling
slurry
or pressure
pressure
height
of river water),
psigroundwater
r,=ifE Hydrostatic
present. PEquation
gives
thethehydrostatic
due to
GW = Groundwater4
=
Groundwater
pressure
(including
the
height
of river water),
P
GWif slurry can
PSUR =carry
Surchargeshear
and live loads,
psi
ure,
stress,
psi
grout. Standing
water should psi
be added to the
=surface
Netpsiexternal
Where:
PI =P
Internal
pressure,
(negative in thepressure,
event of vacuum)
N
psi
PMUD
pressure ofpressure
drilling slurry or groundwater
ifpressure,
slurry can carry shear
stress, psi
PE= Hydrostatic
= External
due
to pressure,
earth
PSUR
Surcharge
and
live
loads,
er,
and= surcharge
pressures
usedpsi
in Eq.
1 are
discussed
in a psi
(Earth, ground water, and surcharge pressures used in Eq. 1 are discussed in a following section of this
(including
the height of river water),
PGW = Groundwater
Internal chapter.)
pressure,
psi (negativepressure
in the event
of vacuum)
PI = chapter.)
this
g
H
W
W
psi
of drilling slurry or groundwater
PMUD = Hydrostatic
(3)
(4)
PGW g=pressure
MUD H B 2
P
in
= Surcharge
and
live loads,
psi
PMUD
SUR
pressure, if slurry
can
carry
stress,
psi
2 shear
144
in 2
(3)in the event of vacuum)
psi (negative
PI = Internal
144 2pressure,
ft
ft
Where
= Hydrostatic
of
drilling
slurryinor
Pfluid
MUD pressure
Hydrostatic
due used
topressure
ground
surface
water,
nd
water,
andg surcharge
pressures
in Eq.and
1 are
discussed
a groundwater
W =
MUD = Unit weight of slurry (drilling mud and cuttings), pcf
if slurry can carry shear stress, psi
i
tion
of this chapter.)
H B pressure,
= Elevation difference between lowest point in borehole and entry or exit pit, ft
(144 is included for units conversion.)
g MUD H B
P
= (Earth,
Unit weight
of
slurry
(drilling
mud2 and pressures
cuttings), pcf
MUD
ground water, and surcharge
used in Eq. 1 are discussed in a
in
(3)
= following
Elevationsection
difference
between
lowest
point
in
borehole
and
144
of this
12chapter.)
2
ft
entry or exit pit, ft (144 is included for units
conversion.)
g MUD
HB
PMUD
in 2
(3)
144will2 give careful
the net
external pressure, the designer
421-461.indd 429
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ft
= Unit weight of slurry (drilling mud and cuttings),
pcf
g

430

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

When calculating the net external pressure, the designer will give careful
consideration to enumerating all applied loads and their duration. In fact, most
pipelines go through operational cycles that include (1) unpressurized or being
drained, (2) operating at working pressure, (3) flooding, (4) shutdowns, and (5)
vacuum and peak pressure events. As each of these cases could result in a different
net external pressure, the designer will consider all phases of the lines life to
establish the design cases.
In addition to determining the load, careful consideration must be given to the
duration of each load. PE pipe is viscoelastic, that is, its effective properties depend
on duration of loading. For instance, an HDD conduit resists constant groundwater
and soil pressure with its long-term apparant modulus stiffness. On the other hand,
an HDD force-main may be subjected to a sudden vacuum resulting from water
hammer. When a vacuum occurs, the net external pressure equals the sum of the
external pressure plus the vacuum. Since surge is instantaneous, it is resisted by the
pipes short-term apparant modulus,, which can be four times higher than the longterm apparent modulus.
For pressure lines, consideration should be given to the time the line sits
unpressurized after construction. This may be several months. Most directionally
drilled lines that contain fluid will have a static head, which will remain in the line
once filled. This head may be subtracted from the external pressure due to earth/
groundwater load. The designer should keep in mind that the external load also may
vary with time, for example, flooding.
Earth and Groundwater Pressure
Earth loads can reach the pipe when the borehole deforms and contacts the pipe.
The amount of soil load transmitted to the pipe will depend on the extent of
deformation and the relative stiffness between the pipe and the soil. Earth loading
may not be uniform. Due to this complexity, there is not a simple equation for
relating earth load to height of cover. Groundwater loading will occur whether the
hole deforms or not; the only question is whether or not the slurry head is higher and
thus may in fact control design. Thus, what loads reach the pipe will depend on the
stability of the borehole.
The designer may wish to consult a geotechnical engineer for assistance in
determining earth and groundwater loads, as the loads reaching the pipe depend
on the nature of the soil.
Stable Borehole - Groundwater Pressure Only
A borehole is called stable if it remains round and deforms little after drilling. For
instance, drilling in competent rock (rock that can be drilled without fracturing and

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- Groundwater Pressure Only


Groundwater Pressure Only

Chapter 12
led stable if it remains round and deforms little after drilling.
For
Horizontal
Directional Drilling
dinstable
if it remains
and result
deforms
after
drilling. For
competent
rock willround
typically
in alittle
stable
borehole.
Stable
competent
rock
will
typically
result
in
a
stable
borehole.
Stable
ccur in some soils where the slurry exerts sufficient pressure to
in some
slurry
exerts sufficient
to are
durand
opensoils
hole.where
Sincethe
the
deformations
aroundpressure
the hole
and
hole. Since
deformations
around
hole are
ures open
transmitted
to thethe
pipe
are negligible.
Thethe
external
load
collapsing) will typically result in a stable borehole. Stable boreholes may occur in
es
transmitted
to
the
pipe
are
negligible.
The
external
load
pe consists only
of the
hydrostatic
pressure
due to
the slurry
some soils
where
the slurry exerts
sufficient pressure
to maintain
a roundor
and open
consists
only
of
the
hydrostatic
pressure
due
to
the
slurry
, if present. hole.
Equation
gives the
hydrostatic
pressure
dueor
to
Since the 4
deformations
around
the hole are small,
soil pressures
transmitted
f grout.
present.Standing
Equation
4 negligible.
gives water
the
hydrostatic
pressure
to the pipesurface
are
The external
load applied
toadded
the pipe due
consists
only of
should
be
to to
the
grout. Standing
surface
water
should
added iftopresent.
the Equation
the hydrostatic
pressure
due to the
slurry or be
the groundwater,

431

4 gives the hydrostatic pressure due to groundwater or drilling slurry. Standing


surface water should be added to the groundwater.

gWHW
(4)
PGW =g W H
W 2
(4)
PGW =
in
144
in 2
144 2ft 2
ft
Where
fluid pressure
due to ground and surface water,
W = Hydrostatic
P
=
Hydrostatic
fluid
and surface
water,
psi
= Hydrostatic GW
fluid pressurepressure
dueduetoto ground
ground
and
surface
water,
(4)

gw = Unit weight of water, pcf

HW = Height to free water surface above pipe, ft (144 is included for correct units conversion.)
Borehole Deforms/Collapse With Arching Mobilized

12

When the crown


12 of the hole deforms sufficiently to place soil above the hole in the
plastic state, arching is mobilized. In this state, hole deformation is limited. If no soil
touches the pipe, there is no earth load on the pipe. However, when deformation is
sufficient to transmit load to the pipe, it becomes the designers chore to determine
how much earth load is applied to the pipe. At the time of this writing, there have
been no published reports giving calculation methods for finding earth load on
directionally drilled pipes. Based on the successful performance of directionally
drilled PE pipes, it is reasonable to assume that some amount of arching occurs in
many applications. The designer of HDD pipes may gain some knowledge from
the approaches developed for determining earth pressure on auger bored pipes
and on jacked pipes. It is suggested that the designer become familiar with all of
the assumptions used with these methods. For additional information on post
installation design of directionally drilled pipelines see Petroff(9).
ORourke et. al.(7) published an equation for determining the earth pressure on
auger bored pipes assuming a borehole approximately 10% larger than the pipe. In
this model, arching occurs above the pipe similar to that in a tunnel where zones
of loosened soil fall onto the pipe. The volume of the cavity is eventually filled with
soil that is slightly less dense than the insitu soil, but still capable of transmitting
soil load. This method of load calculation gives a minimal loading. The method
published here is more conservative. It is based on trench type arching as opposed
to tunnel arching and is used by Stein(8) to calculate loads on jacked pipe. In Steins
model, the maximum earth load (effective stress) is found using the modified form
of Terzaghis equation given by Eq. 6., Petroff(9). External groundwater pressure
must be added to the effective earth pressure. Stein and ORourkes methods

421-461.indd 431

1/16/09 10:15:04 AM

dod
published
published
here
here
isismore
more
conservative.
conservative.
It Itisisbased
onontrench
trench
posed
to tunnel
arching
and
is used by Stein
tobased
calculate
loads
osed
posed
to
to
tunnel
tunnel
arching
arching
and
and
is
is
used
used
by
by
Stein
Stein
to
to
calculate
calculate
loads
loads
Steins model the maximum earth load (effective stress) is
Steins
Steins
model
model
the
themaximum
maximum
earth
earthload
load
(effective
(effective
isis
odified form
Terzhaghis
equation
given
by Eq. stress)
6.stress)
External
432 of
Chapter
12
Horizontal
Directional Drilling
dified
odified
form
form
ofof
Terzhaghis
Terzhaghis
equationgiven
givenby
byEq.
Eq.6.6.External
External
ure must
be
added
to the equation
effective
earth
pressure.
Stein
and
re
ure
must
must
be
be
added
added
to
to
the
the
effective
effective
earth
earth
pressure.
pressure.
Stein
Stein
and
and
ds should only be considered where the depth of cover is
sds
should
should
only
only
bebeconsidered
considered
where
where
the
depth
depth
cover
coverisis
lop
arching
(typically
exceeding
fivethe
(5)
pipeofof
diameters),
lop
p arching
arching
(typically
exceeding
exceeding
five
five (5)
(5) pipe
pipehas
diameters),
diameters),
ch
as
traffic(typically
loads are
insignificant,
the
soil
sufficient
h
ch
as
as
traffic
traffic
loads
loads
are
are
insignificant,
insignificant,
the
the
soil
soil
has
has
sufficient
sufficient
should
only
be
considered
where
the
depth
of
cover
is
sufficient
o transmit arching, and [?conditions are] confirmed tobydevelop
a arching
(typically and
exceeding
five (5) pipe diameters),
loads such
as traffic
transmit
transmit
arching,
and [?conditions
[?conditions
are]
are]
confirmed
confirmed
byby
a a loads
eer.
Usingarching,
the
equations
given
in Stein,
thedynamic
external
pressure
are
insignificant,
the
soil
has
sufficient
internal
friction
to
transmit
arching,
er.
eer.Using
Usingthe
theequations
equationsgiven
givenininStein,
Stein,the
theexternal
externalpressure
pressure and
conditions are confirmed by a geotechnical engineer.
KH C
d
1  exp
-in2Stein, thetan

Using the equations


given
external
is given below:
pressure
Kg
H
B
2

SE
C
(5) P
(5)
HH
k Kg
EV Kg
SESE
C 2C
(5)
(5)
PEV
PEV
in

KH
CKH C d d
2 2
144
1inin
exp
tan
2 2
-B2 tan
144
144 ft
B
2 2

2 2
k ft ft
(6)
(6) KH
KHC dd
1 exp - 22 C tan
tan
BB
22

k = earth pressure, psi


PEV = external
(6) C
KH
d
gSE = effective soil2weight,
tanpcf

B
2
HC = depth of cover, ft
PEV = external earth
pressure,
psi
(6)
k = arching
factor
Where
gSE = effective soil weight, pcf
PE =width,
external earth
B = silo
ft pressure, psi
of cover,
ft
C = depth
g
=
effective
soil
weight, pcf degrees
PEV =H
external
earth
pressure,
psi
SE of wall friction,
d = angle
(For HDD, d = f)
k
=
arching
factor
H
=
depth
of
cover,
ft
13
C soil weight,
gSE =f effective
pcf
= angle
of internal
13
13ft friction, degrees
k = arching
factor
= silo
width,
depth
of
cover,
ft coefficient given by:
HC =B
K = earth
pressure
B = silo
width, ftfriction,
d
=
angle
of
wall
degrees (For HDD, d = f)
k = arching factor
= angle of wall friction, degrees (For HDD, = f)
f = angle
of internal friction, degrees
B = silo
width,
f = angleftof internal
friction,
f degrees
2
K
=
earth
pressure
coefficient
given
by: d = f)
K
tan
45


given by: (For


K
=
earth
pressure
coefficient
d = angle of wall friction, degrees
HDD,
2

f = angle of internal friction, degrees


f

K = earth pressure
K tan 2coefficient
45  given by:
2

o width should be estimated based on the application. It varies between


f
2
e diameter
Aonconservative
approach
is to
K =and
tan
45 width
borehole
The silo
estimated based
the application. It varies
between the
the
should bediameter.
2

pipe
diameterthe
and the
borehole diameter.
A conservative
approach is to
assume
the is
the silo width
equals
borehole
diameter.
(The effective
soil
weight
o width should
be estimated
based
on the
application.
It isvaries
between
silo
width
equals
the
borehole
diameter.
(The
effective
soil
weight
the
dry
unit
unit weight of the soil for soil above the groundwater level, it is the
e diameter and
the
diameter.
A conservative
approach
is to
of theborehole
soil for soil above
the groundwater
level, it is the saturated
unit weight
ed unit weightweight
less
the
weight
of
water
for
soil
below
the
groundwater
lessequals
the weightthe
of water
for soil below
the groundwater
theshould
silo width
borehole
diameter.
(The level.)
effective
weight is
dth
be estimated
based
on the
application.
It varies soil
between
unit weight
of the
soil for soil above
the groundwater
level, isit to
is the
ameter
and the
borehole
A conservative
approach
Borehole
Collapsediameter.
with Prism Load
ed
unit
weight
less
weight diameter.
of water for soil
below soil
the weight
groundwater
siloCollapse
width
equals
thethe
borehole
is
le
with
Prism
Loadin the soil above (The
In the event
that
arching
the pipeeffective
breaks down,
considerable earth
loading
occur
on the
pipe. In the
that arching doeslevel,
not occur,
weight of the
soilmayfor
soil
above
theevent
groundwater
it the
is upper
the
limit
on
the
load
is
the
weight
of
the
soil
prism
(P
=
g
H
)
above
the
pipe.
The
E
SE
C
nit weight
less theinweight
of above
water the
for soil
groundwater
event
that arching
the soil
pipe below
breaksthe
down,
considerable
le Collapse with
Prism
prism load
is mostLoad
likely to develop in shallow applications subjected to live loads,
ading may occur on the pipe. In the event that arching does not occur, the
mit on the load is the weight of the soil prism (PE = ySEHC) [do you mean
event
that arching
in the soil above the pipe breaks down, considerable
ollapse
ove
the with
pipe.Prism
The Load
prism load is most likely to develop in shallow
ading may occur on the pipe. In the event that arching does not occur, the
ions subjected to live loads, boreholes in unconsolidated sediments such
= ySEHconsiderable
mit
onarching
the loadinisthe
thesoil
weight
of the
soil
prism
(PEdown,
C) [do you mean
that
above
the
pipe
breaks
crossings,
and
holes
subjected
to
dynamic
loads.
The
prism load
is
421-461.indd
432
1/27/09 12:41:21 PM
ove the
pipe.
The prism load is most likely to develop in shallow

that arching in the soil above the pipe breaks down, considerable
hat
arching
in the
pipe
breaks
down,
g may
occur on
the soil
pipe.above
In the the
event
that
arching
doesconsiderable
not occur, the
may
occur
on
the
pipe.
In
the
event
that
arching
does
not
the
you mean
n the load is the weight of the soil prism (PE = ySEHC) [dooccur,
Chapter 12 433
Horizontal
Directional
Drilling
=
y
H
)
[do
you
mean
the
load
is
the
weight
of
the
soil
prism
(P
E
SE
C
the pipe. The prism load is most likely to develop in shallow
he
pipe.
The
prism
load
is most
to develop
in shallow
on
of
Earth
Groundwater
Pressure
subjected
toand
live
loads,
boreholes
in likely
unconsolidated
sediments
such
ubjected
to
live
loads,
boreholes
in
unconsolidated
sediments
such
ssings, and holes subjected to dynamic loads. The prism load is
sings,
and isholes
subjected
dynamic
loads.its
The
prism must
load isbe
undwater
present
in theto soil
formation,
pressure
7.
boreholes
in unconsolidated
suchinasa
in river
some river
crossings,one
and holes
7.
or in the external
load
term. For sediments
instance,
crossing
can
subjected
to
dynamic
loads.
The
prism
load
is
given
by
Eq.
7.
h reasonable confidence
g SEthat
H C the directionally drilled pipe is subjected
(7)
P
g SE
HGroundwater
hmbination
pressure of
from
the
sediments
abovePressure
it(7)
combined with the water
Earth
E and
C 2
P
(7)
in
bination of Earth
Pressure
E and Groundwater
2
144
in 2
144
ft
ere groundwater is present
in the soil formation, its pressure must be
2
ft
WHERE
e
groundwater
is
present
in
the soil
formation,in its
pressure
must
ounted for inPthe
external load term.
For instance,
a river
crossing
onebe
can
E = earth pressure on pipe, psi
unted
for
in
the
external
load
term.
For
instance,
in
a
river
crossing
one
can
P
=
earth
pressure
on
pipe,
psi
E
on
of with
Earth
and
Groundwater
ume
reasonable
confidence
that the directionally drilled pipe is subjected
gSE = effective
weight
of soil, pcf Pressure
PEgSE
=with
earth
pressure
on
pipe,
psi
me
reasonable
confidence
that
the directionally
drilled pipewith
is subjected
=
effective
weight
of
soil,
pcf
HC = soil height
above pipe
crown,
ft
the earth pressure
from
the
sediments
above it combined
the water
geSE
=
effective
weight
of
soil,
pcf
earth
pressure
from
the
sediments
above
it
combined
with
the
H
=
soil
height
above
pipe
crown,
ft
(Note:
144
is
included
for
units
conversion.)
Clevel atisor present
undwater
in thesurface
soil formation, its pressure must be water
ater
below ground
ssure.
H
=
soil
height
above
pipe
crown,
ft
C
sure.
is
included
for
units
for(Note:
in the144
external
load of
term.
For
instance, in
a river crossing one can
Combination
Earth
andconversion.)
Groundwater
Pressure
(Note: 144 is included for units conversion.)
h reasonableWhere
confidence
the
pipe is subjected
groundwater
theWsoil
H C directionally
formation,
g B H W that
 isg Dpresent
in H
g W Hdrilled
W its pressure must be accounted
P

P
(8)
E
GW
for in the
external
load term. For
instance,
river crossing one
can the
assume
with
2
h pressure from
the
sediments
above
itin acombined
with
water
in
reasonable confidence that
the
directionally
drilled
pipe
is
subjected
to
the
earth
14 144above
ft 2 it combined with the water pressure.
pressure from the sediments
14 ground
se(1): Water level at or below
surface
(1): Water level at or below ground surface
Case 1 Water level at or below ground surface

g H + g (H H ) + g W H W
PE + PGW =g B HB W W+ g D (DH C C H W2 )W+ g W H
(8)
W
PE + PGW =
(8)
in
ater level at or below ground surface 144
in 2 2
ater level at or above ground surface 144
(i.e. pipe
in river bottom)
2ft
ft
Case 2 Water level at or above ground surface (i.e. pipe in river bottom)
g B H W  g D H C  H W  g W H W
PE (9)PGW
(8)
gBHC  g W H
2 W
PE  PGW
(9)
in
144
in 2 2
144 ft
ft 2
WHERE
se (2): Water Hlevel
at or above
ground surface
(i.e. pipe in river bottom)
waterground
above pipe springline,
ft
W = Height
(2): Water level
at orof Ground
above
surface
(i.e. pipe in river bottom)
(8)

HC = height of cover, ft

gB = buoyant weight of soil, pcf


g H + gWHW
H W = Height
Ground
water above
ft
Ppcf
(9)
g B HB C +Cpipe
g W H2springline,
gW =of
weight of water,
E + PGW =
W
P
+
P
=
(9)
in
Height
Cover,
HC =level
gDof
= dry
unit weightEft
of soil, GW
pcf
Water
at or
above
ground
surface 144
(i.e.
in river bottom)
in 2pipe
gB = buoyant weight of soil, pcf
144 2ft 2
Live Loads
ft
gW = weight of water, pcf
g Hor other
 g Wvehicles
H W are significant for pipe at shallow depths
loads from trucks
gD = dry unitWheel
weight
soil,BpcfC
PE they
Pof
(9)
GW
2 cut trenching or directional drilling. The wheel
whether
are installed by open
in
Height
ofpipe
Ground
water
above
pipe
ft size,
ere:
H W =applied
to the
depends
on the vehicle
weight,
thespringline,
tire pressure and
144water
2
=
Height
of
Ground
above
pipe
springline,
ft
e:
HHW load
= Height
Cover,
ftft pavement and distance from the pipe to the
speed, of
surface
smoothness,
Cvehicle
Height
of
Cover,
ft
HCg =point
of loading.weight
In order to
proper soil structure interaction, pipe subject to
ofdevelop
soil, pcf
B = buoyant
g
=
buoyant
weight
of
soil,
pcf
vehicular
loading
should
be
installed
at least 18 or one
diameter
B
s from trucks
otherof vehicles
forpipepipe
at (whichever
shallowis
gW = or
weight
water, pcfare significant
gare
weight
ofby
water,
pcf
Wg ==
of unit
Ground
water
above
ft drillingThe
herHthey
open
trenching
or directional
dry
weight
ofcut
soil,
pcfpipe springline,
W = Height
D installed
g
=
dry
unit
weight
of
soil,
pcf
D
Cover,
ft
HC = Height
applied
to the of
pipe
depends
on the vehicle weight, the tire pressure
gB =speed,
buoyantsurface
weight smoothness,
of soil, pcf pavement and distance from the
ehicle
e Loads
Loads
gW =
of water,
pcfto develop proper soil structure interaction,
point
ofweight
loading.
In order
421-461.indd
433
10:15:05 AM
gDloads
= dry unit
soil,
pcf
teel
to
vehicular
loading
bevehicles
installedare
at least
18" orforone
pipe
fromweight
trucksofshould
or
other
significant
pipe
at 1/16/09
shallow

434 Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

larger) under the road surface. Generally, HDD pipes are always installed at a deeper
depth so as to prevent inadvertent returns from occurring during the boring.
The soil pressure due to live load such as an H20 wheel load can be found in Tables
3-3 and 3-4 in Chapter 6 or can be calculated using one of the methods in Chapter 6.
To find the total pressure applied to the pipe, add the soil pressure due to live load,
PL, to the earth pressure, PE. See Example 1 in Appendix A.
Performance Limits
Hydrostatic Buckling or Collapse

Ring Deformation

Figure 2 Performance Limits of HDD Pipe Subjected to Service Loads

Performance Limits of HDD Installed Pipe


The design process normally consists of calculating the loads applied to the pipe,
selecting a trial pipe DR, then calculating the safety factor for the trial DR. If the
safety factor is adequate, the design is sufficient. If not, the designer selects a lower
DR and repeats the process. The safety factor is established for each performance
limit of the pipe by taking the ratio of the pipes ultimate strength or resistance to the
applied load.
External pressure from earth load, groundwater, vacuum and live load applied to
the HDD pipe produces (1) a compressive ring thrust in the pipe wall and (2) ring
bending deflection. The performance limit of unsupported PE pipe subjected to
compressive thrust is ring buckling (collapse). The performance limit of a PE pipe
subjected to ring bending (a result of non-uniform external load, i.e. earth load) is
ring deflection. See Figure 2.
Viscoelastic Behavior
Both performance limits are proportional to the apparent modulus of elasticity of the
PE material. For viscoelastic materials like PE, the modulus of elasticity is a timedependent property, that is, its value changes with time under load. A newly applied
load increment will cause a decrease in apparent stiffness over time. Unloading will

421-461.indd 434

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

Chapter 12 435

Horizontal Directional Drilling

result in rebounding or an apparent gain in stiffness. The result is a higher resistance


to short term loading than to long-term loading. Careful consideration must be given
to the duration and frequency of each load, so that the performance limit associated
with that load can be calculated using PE material properties representative of that
time period. The same effects occur with the pipes tensile strength. For instance,
during pullback, the pipes tensile yield strength decreases with pulling time, so the
safe (allowable) pulling stress is a function of time under load, and temperature.
Typical safe pull tensile stress values for MDPE and HDPE are given in Table
1. Consult the manufacturer for specific applications. The values are given as a
function of the duration of continuous loading. For pipe temperatures (not outside
air temperatures) other than 73F, multiply the value in Table 1 by the temperature
compensating multipliers found in Table B.1.2 of the Appendix to Chapter 3. The Safe
Pull Load at 12 hours is given for a variety of pipe sizes and DRs in Tables 3 and 4
(3xxx material) and Tables 5 and 6 (4xxx material) in a following section, Tensile
Stress During Pullback.

Table 1
Safe Pull Tensile Stress @ 73 F
Duration
(Hours)

Typical Safe Pull Stress (psi) @ 73F


PE2xxx
(PE2406)

PE3xxx
(PE3408)

PE4xxx
(PE4710)

0.5

1100

1400

1500

1050

1350

1400

12

850

1100

1150

24

800

1050

1100

The safe pull stress is the stress at 3% strain. For strains less than 3% the
pipe will essentially have complete strain recovery after pullback. The stress
values in Table 1 were determined by multiplying 3% times the apparent
tensile modulus from the Appendix to Chapter 3 adjusted by a 0.60 factor
to account for the high stress level during pullback.

Ring Deflection (Ovalization)


Non-uniform pressure acting on the pipes circumference such as earth load
causes bending deflection of the pipe ring. Normally, the deflected shape is an
oval. Ovalization may exist in non-rerounded coiled pipe and to a lesser degree
in straight lengths that have been stacked, but the primary sources of bending
deflection of directionally drilled pipes is earth load. Slight ovalization may also
occur during pullback if the pipe is pulled around a curved path in the borehole.
Ovalization reduces the pipes hydrostatic collapse resistance and creates tensile

421-461.indd 435

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

436

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

bending stresses in the pipe wall. It is normal and expected for buried PE pipes to
undergo ovalization. Proper design and installation will limit ovalization (or as it
is often called ring deflection) to prescribed values so that it has no adverse effect
on the pipe.
Ring Deflection Due to Earth Load
As discussed previously, insitu soil characteristics and borehole stability determine
to great extent the earth load applied to directionally drilled pipes. Methods for
calculating estimated earth loads, when they occur, are given in the previous section
on Earth and Groundwater Pressure.
Since earth load is non-uniform around a pipes circumference, the pipe will
undergo ring deflection, i.e. a decrease in vertical diameter and an increase in
horizontal diameter. The designer can check to see if the selected pipe is stiff enough
to limit deflection and provide an adequate safety factor against buckling. (Buckling
is discussed in a later section of this chapter.)
The soil surrounding the pipe may contribute to resisting the pipes deflection.
Formulas used for entrenched pipe, such as Spanglers Iowa Formula, are likely
not applicable as the HDD installation is different from installing pipe in a trench
where the embedment can be controlled. In an HDD installation, the annular space
surrounding the pipe contains a mixture of drilling mud and cuttings. The mixtures
consistency or stiffness determines how much resistance it contributes. Consistency
(or stiffness) depends on several factors including soil density, grain size and the
presence of groundwater. Researchers have excavated pipe installed by HDD and
observed some tendency of the annular space soil to return to the condition of the
undisturbed native soil. See Knight(11) and Ariaratnam(12). It is important to note
that the researched installations were located above groundwater, where excess
water in the mud-cuttings slurry can drain. While there may be consolidation and
strengthening of the annular space soil particularly above the groundwater level,
it may be weeks or even months before significant resistance to pipe deflection
develops. Until further research establishes the soils contribution to resisting
deflection, one option is to ignore any soil resistance and to use Equation 10 which
is derived from ring deflection equations published by Watkins and Anderson(13).
(Coincidentally, Equation 10 gives the same deflection as the Iowa Formula with an
E of zero.) Spanglers Iowa formula is discussed in Chapter 6. The design deflection
limits for directionally drilled pipe are given in Table 2. Design deflection limits
are for use in selecting a design DR. Field deflection measurements of directionally
drilled pressure pipe are normally not made. Design deflection must be limited to
control buckling resistance.

421-461.indd 436

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

above the groundwater level, it may be weeks or even months before


resistance to pipe deflection develops.
Until further research
the soils contribution to resisting deflection, one option is to ignore
Chapter 12
Horizontal Directional Drilling
sistance and to use Equation 10 which is derived from ring
deflection
published by Watkins and Anderson (1995). (Coincidentally, Equation
e same deflection as the Iowa Formula with an E of zero.)
(10)

0.0125PE
y
y
=
D
E

437

(10)

12 (DR - 1) 3
WHERE

imit (%y/D) y = vertical ring7.5


6.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
deflection, in
re:
y
=
ring
ring
deformation,
in
pplications D = pipe diameter, in
D = pipe Pdiameter,
inpsi
E = Earth pressure,
DRpressure,
= Pipe Dimension psi
Ratio
= Earth
PEpressure
mits for
applications are
equal to 1.5 times the short-term deflection limits
E = apparent modulus of elasticity, psi (Refer to Appendix, Chapter 3, Engineering Properties, for the
DR
=
Pipe
Dimension
Ratio
X2.1 of ASTM F-714.

appropriate value for the Material Designation Code of the PE pipe being used and the applicable

service
E = modulus
ofconditions)
elasticity, psi
* To obtain ring deflection in percent, multiply y/D by 100.
ections are for use in selecting DR and for field quality control. (Field
ng
deflection
in percent,
y/D by 100.
eflections
exceeding
the multiply
design deflection
do not necessarily indicate
Table 2
over-strainedDesign
pipe.
In this case, an engineering analysis of such pipe
Deflection Limits of Buried Polyehtylene Pipe, Long Term, %*
ction
Limits
(Ovality
Limits)
erformed before acceptance.)
DR or SDR

21

17

15.5

13.5

11

7.3

Deflection Limit (% y/D)


Non-Pressure Applications

7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
7.5
nned
or ring
deflection (in percent)7.5is limited
by
the 7.5
pipe wall
strain,,
the
Buckling
Deflection Limit (%y/D)
aulic capacity,
and the pipes7.5geometric
stability.
Jansen
observed
6.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
Pressure Applications
,ernal
pressure-rated
pipe,
to Guide
soil
only,
no
upper
limit
* Design
deflectionsubjected
limits
ASTM pipe
F1962,
forpressure
Use offrom
Maxi-Horizontal
Directional
pressure
applied
toperthe
either
earth
andDrilling
livefor load,
Placement of PE Pipe or Conduit Under Obstacles, Including River Crossings.
ctical
design
point
of view
seems
to exist
for the bending
strain.
On
r, or the
drilling
slurry
creates
a ring
compressive
hoop stress
in the
and,
pipes is
are
subject to
soil induced
If
the pressurized
external pressure
increased
to strains
a point from
whereboth
the hoop
stress
Unconstrained
Buckling
and
internal
pressure.
The
combined
strain
may
produce
a
critical value, there is a sudden and large inward deformation ofhigh,
the
Uniform
external
pressure
applied
to
the
pipe
either
from
earth
and
live
load,
outer-fiber
tensile
stress.
However,
as
the
internal
pressure
is
called buckling. Constraining the pipe by embedding it in soil or
or the drilling
slurrybending
creates a ring
compressive
hoop stress Due
thegrout
pipe tends
to re-round
the
strain
is reduced.
to
us
will groundwater,
increase
the and
pipes
buckling
strength
and
allowin the
it to
pipes wall. If the external pressure is increased to a point where the hoop stress
al
for external
combinedpressure
strain (bending
and hoop tensile),
it is conservative
gher
than if unconstrained.
However,
as noted in to
a
reaches a critical value, there is a sudden and large inward deformation of the pipe
tion
of
pressure
pipes
to
less
than
non-pressure
pipes.
In
lieu
of
an
ction it is notwall,
likely
pipes
installed
below
the groundwater
level
calledthat
buckling.
Constraining
the pipe
by embedding
it in soil or cementitious
lation
for allowable
deflection
limits,
the strength
limits
in
3
can beand
used.
grout willfrom
increase
thesurrounding
pipes
buckling
andTable
allow it to
withstand
higher
significant
support
the
mud-cuttings
mixture
for
external
pressure
than
if
unconstrained.
However,
as
noted
in
a
previous
section
e groundwater support may take considerable time to develop.
is not likely that Table
installed
groundwater level will acquire
3 itbelow
until further itresearch
is pipes
available
is the
conservative
to assume no
significant support from the surrounding mud-cuttings mixture and for pipe above
Deflection
of Buried
Polyehtylene
Longequation,
Term, %*may
om
the soil.Limits
The following
equation,
known Pipe,
as Levys
groundwater support may take considerable time to develop. Therefore, until
17 it is conservative
15.5
21 external
13.5
9
7.3
o determine further
the allowable
pressure
(or11nonegative
internal
research is available
to assume
constraint from
the soil.
or unconstrained
pipe. . equation, known as Levys equation, may be used to determine the
The following
Limit (%y/D) allowable external
7.5pressure
7.5(or negative
7.5 internal
7.5 pressure)
7.5 for unconstrained
7.5
7.5pipe.
ure Applications
(11)
2E
1 3 fO
PUC
(
)
=
(11
UA
2
(1 - m
) DR - 1 N

Pua = Allowable unconstrained pressure, psi


19
E = Modulus of elasticity (apparent),
psi
m = 421-461.indd
Poissons
Ratio
437

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

=
=
=
=
=
=

=
=

30,000 psi for HDPE at 73.4 F (23 C), 50 year loading


Pipe wall moment of inertia, in4/in
for solid wall polyethylene
t3/12
438 Chapter 12
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Poissons
ratio, 0.45 for polyethylene
Mean diameter, inches (inside diameter plus one wall thickness)
Ovality compensation factor, dimensionless (see Figure 10-1)
D D
min
Where
Deflection =
100
where P%
uc = Allowable unconstrained buckling pressure
D
E = Apparent modulus of elasticity, psi (Refer to Appendix, Chapter 3, Engineering Properties,
Pipe average
diameter,

for the appropriate
value forin
the Material Designation Code of the PE pipe being used and the

applicable service conditions.)
Pipe minimum diameter, in
= Poissons Ratio = 0.45 for all PE pipe materials

DR = Dimension Ratio (Do/t), where Do =Outside Pipe Diameter and t = Minimum Wall Thickness

10-1
fo = Ovality compensationFigure
factor (see figure
3)

N = Safety factor, generally


2.0 or higherCorrection Factor, f
% Deflection
vs. Ovality

Figure 3 Ovality Compensation Factor=fo

he buckling pressure of a dimension ratio (DR) series polyethylene pipe (i.e., a


discussion of buckling see the section in Chapter 6 titled
olid wall pipesForofa detailed
different
diameters but with the same ratio of specified outside
Unconstrained Pipe Wall Buckling (Hydrostatic Buckling). Note that the(22)
apparent
minimum wall thickness),
the
following
variation
of
Love's
equation
, Eq. 10-2, is
modulus of elasticity is a function of the duration of the anticipated load. When
selecting a modulus to use in Equation 11 consideration should be given to internal
pressurization of the line. When the pressure in the pipe exceeds the external
pressure due to earth and live load, groundwater and/or slurry, the stress in the
pipe wall reverses from compressive to tensile stress and collapse will not occur.
For determining the pipes resistance to buckling during pullback, an additional
reduction for tensile stresses is required, which is discussed in a later section of
this chapter.
Wall Compressive Stress
The compressive stress in the wall of a directionally drilled PE pipe rarely controls
design and it is normally not checked. However, it is included here because in some

421-461.indd 438

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

ormally not checked. However, it is included here because in


es such as directional drilling at very deep depths such as in
Chapter 12
trol design.
Horizontal Directional Drilling

439

e applied to a buried pipe creates a compressive thrust stress


When the pipe is pressurized, the stress is reduced due to the
creating tensile
thrust
Thedrilling
net stress
can
be such
positive
special
cases stresses.
such as directional
at very deep
depths
as in landfills it
nding on themay
depth
cover. Buried pressure lines may be
controlof
design.
ompressive stress
when applied
shut todown
or creates
whena compressive
experiencing
The earth pressure
a buried pipe
thrust stress
e usually short-term
not typically
in the pipeconditions
wall. When theand
pipe isare
pressurized,
the stress considered
is reduced due to the
pressure creating
tensile thrust
stresses.of
Thepolyolefins
net stress can be positive
or
sign, since internal
the short-term
design
stress
is
negative depending
on stress.
the depth of
cover. Buried
lines may be
er than the long-term
design
Pipes
with pressure
large depths
ofsubject to
net compressive stress when shut down or when experiencing vacuum. These are
ng at low pressures may have net compressive stresses in the
usually short-term conditions and are not typically considered significant for design,
owing equation
can be used to determine the net compressive
since the short-term design stress of polyolefins is considerably higher than the longterm design stress. Pipes with large depths of cover and operating at low pressures
may have net compressive stresses in the pipe wall. The following equation can be
used to determine the net compressive stress:
(12)

Sc =

PS D O PD
2t
288t

(12)

Where
SC = Compressive wall stress, psi

= Earthstress,
load pressures,
psf
CompressivePSwall
psi
D
=
Pipe
outside
diameter,
O
Earth load pressures,
psf in
t = Wall thickness, in
Pipe outside Pdiameter,
in
= (Positive) internal pressure, psi
Wall thickness,Din
= Mean diameter, DO-t, in
Positive) internal pressure, psi
The D
compressive
Mean diameter,
O-t, in wall stress should be kept less than the allowable compressive

stress of the material. For PE4710 PE pipe grade resins, 1150 psi is a safe
allowable stress. For other materials see the Appendix of Chapter 3.

wall stress should be kept less than the allowable compressive

EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS An example calculation for selecting the DR for an HDD


pipe is given in Appendix A.

Installation Design Considerations


After determining
22 the DR required for long-term service, the designer must
determine if this DR is sufficient for installation. Since installation forces are so
significant, a lower DR (stronger pipe) may be required.
During pullback the pipe is subjected to axial tensile forces caused by the
frictional drag between the pipe and the borehole or slurry, the frictional drag on
the ground surface, the capstan effect around drill-path bends, and hydrokinetic
drag. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to external hoop pressures due to net
external fluid head and bending stresses. The pipes collapse resistance to external
pressure given in Equation 2 is reduced by the axial pulling force. Furthermore,

421-461.indd 439

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

440

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

the drill path curvature may be limited by the pipes bending radius. (Torsional
forces occur but are usually negligible when back-reamer swivels are properly
designed.) Considerable judgment is required to predict the pullback force
because of the complex interaction between pipe and soil. Sources for information
include experienced drillers and engineers, programs such as DRILLPATH(14)
and publications such as ASTM F1962 and ASCE MOP 108, Pipeline Design for
Installation by Horizontal Directional Drilling. Typically, pullback force calculations
are approximations that depend on considerable experience and judgment.
The pullback formulas given herein and in DRILLPATH and ASTM F1962 are based
on essentially an ideal borehole. The ideal borehole behaves like a rigid tunnel
with gradual curvature, smooth alignment (no dog-legs), no borehole collapses,
nearly complete cuttings removal, and good slurry circulation. The ideal borehole
may be approached with proper drilling techniques that achieve a clean bore fully
reamed to its final size before pullback. The closer the bore is to ideal; the more likely
the calculated pullback force will match the actual.
Because of the large number of variables involved and the sensitivity of pullback
forces to installation techniques, the formulas presented in this document are for
guidelines only and are given only to familiarize the designer with the interaction
that occurs during pullback. Pullback values obtained should be considered only as
qualitative values and used only for preliminary estimates. The designer is advised
to consult with an experienced driller or with an engineer familiar with calculating
these forces. The following discussion assumes that the entry and exit pits of the
bore are on the same, or close to the same, elevation. For an overview, see
Svetlik(15).
Pullback Force
Large HDD rigs can exert between 100,000 lbs. to 500,000 lbs. pull force. The majority
of this power is applied to the cutting face of the reamer device/tool, which precedes
the pipeline segment into the borehole. It is difficult to predict what portion of the
total pullback force is actually transmitted to the pipeline being inserted.
The pulling force which overcomes the combined frictional drag, capstan effect,
and hydrokinetic drag, is applied to the pull-head and first joint of PE pipe. The
axial tensile stress grows in intensity over the length of the pull. The duration of the
pullload is longest at the pull-nose. The tail end of the pipe segment has zero applied
tensile stress for zero time. The incremental time duration of stress intensity along
the length of the pipeline from nose to tail causes a varying degree of recoverable
elastic strain and viscoelastic stretch per foot of length along the pipe.
The DR must be selected so that the tensile stress in the pipe wall due to the pullback
force, does not exceed the permitted tensile stress for the pipe material. Increasing
the pipe wall thickness will allow for a greater total pull-force. Even though the

421-461.indd 440

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

elected so that the tensile stress due to the pullback force does
ermitted tensile stress for the pipe. Increasing the pipe
wall Chapter 12
Horizontal Directional Drilling
ow for a greater total pull-force, but the thicker wall also
ght per foot of the pipe in direct proportion. Hence, thicker wall
essarily reduce stress, only increase the absolute value of the
ge. The designer
should carefully check all proposed DRs.
thicker wall increases the weight per foot of the pipe, the pullback force within the

esistance

441

bore itself is not significantly affected by the increased weight. Hence, thicker wall
pipe generally reduces stress. The designer should carefully check all proposed DRs.

Drag Resistance
o pullback in Frictional
the borehole
depends primarily on the frictional
Pipe
resistance
to
pullback
in the
depends
primarily
the frictional force
ween the pipe and the borehole
orborehole
the pipe
and
the on
ground
created between the pipe and the borehole or the pipe and the ground surface in the
y area, the frictional
drag between pipe and drilling slurry, the
entry area, the frictional drag between pipe and drilling slurry, the capstan effect
bends, and atthe
weight
of the
Equation
gives resistance
the
bends,
and the weight
of thepipe.
pipe. Equation
13 gives13
the frictional
or
e or required required
pullingpulling
forceforce
forforpipe
pulled
in straight,
level
bores
pipe pulled
in straight,
level bores
or across
level ground.
Equation 13, gives the frictional resistance or required pulling force for pipe pulled
und.
in straight, level bores or across level ground. (See Kirby et al.(16)).
(13)

FP = mWB L

(13)

pulling force,Where
Flbs
P = pulling force, lbs
coefficient of mfriction
between
pipe
slurry
or (typically 0.40)
= coefficient
of friction between
pipe and
and slurry
(typically(typically
0.25) or between 0.25)
pipe and ground
w
=
net
downward
(or
upward)
force
on
pipe,
lb/ft
B
between pipe and
ground (typically 0.40)
L = length, ft
net downward (or upward) force on pipe, lb/ft
ength, ft
When a slurry is present, WB equals the buoyant force on the pipe minus the weight

of the pipe and its contents, if any. Filling the pipe with fluid significantly reduces
force andbuoyant
thus the pulling
force.
pipe has
a density
is buoyancy
the upward
force
ofPEthe
pipe
and near
its that of
present, wB the
water. If the pipe is installed dry (empty) using a closed nose-pull head, the pipe
e pipe with fluid
significantly reduces the buoyancy force and
will want to float on the crown of the borehole leading to the sidewall loading
and frictional drag through the buoyancy-per-foot force and the wetted soil to pipe
coefficient of friction. Most major pullbacks are done wet. That is, the pipeline
is filled with water as it starts to descend into the bore (past the breakover point).
24
Water is added through a hose or small pipe inserted into the pullback pipe. (See the
calculation examples.)

Note: The buoyant force pushing the empty pipe to the borehole crown will cause
the PE pipe to rub the borehole crown. During pullback, the moving drill mud
lubricates the contact zone. If the drilling stops, the pipe stops, or the mud flow
stops, the pipe - slightly ring deflected by the buoyant force - can push up and
squeeze out the lubricating mud. The resultant start-up friction is measurably
increased. The pulling load to loosen the PE pipe from being stuck in the now
decanted (moist) mud can be very high. This situation is best avoided by using
thicker (lower DR) pipes, doing wet pulls, and stopping the pull only when removing
drill rods.

421-461.indd 441

1/16/09 10:15:06 AM

ing stiffness pipes, inserting full pipe not empty pipe, and
progress.]
442

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

orehole, the force can be factored into horizontal and vertical


y et al.(3) shows an additional frictional force that occurs in
Force
the pressureCapstan
required
by the borehole to keep the steel pipe
For curves in the borehole, the force can be factored into horizontal and vertical
with a radius of curvature similar to that used for steel pipe,
components. Huey et al. shows an additional frictional force that occurs in steel
nsignificant forpipe
PE
pipe. For very tight bends, it may be prudent
due to the pressure required by the borehole to keep the steel pipe curved. For
The frictionalbores
resistance
a similar
pull isto that
compounded
bythese
theforces are
with a radiusduring
of curvature
used for steel pipe,
the pipe is pulled
around
curve
ortight
bend
creating
an angle
q, them. In
insignificant
for PE a
pipe.
For very
bends,
it may be prudent
to consider
addition
to
this
force,
the
capstan
effect
increases
frictional
resistance
when
nding of the forces due to the direction of the pulling vectors. pulling
along
a curved path.
As the
is pulled
around
a curve
or bend creating
FC, due to the
capstan
effect
is pipe
given
in Eq.
14.
Equations
13 an angle
q, there is a compounding of the forces due to the direction of the pulling vectors.
d recursivelyThe
topulling
the pipe
for each section along the pullback
force, FC, due to the capstan effect is given in Eq. 14. Equations 13 and
n in Figure 4.14This
method
is credited
to each
Larry
Slavin,
Outside
are applied
recursively
to the pipe for
section
along the
pullback distance as
ervices, Inc. Rockaway,
N.J.
shown in Figure 4.
This method is credited to Larry Slavin, Outside Plant Consulting
(17)

Services, Inc. Rockaway, N.J.


(14)

Fc = e mq (mWB L)

(14)

Where

Natural logarithm
base
(e=2.71828)
e = Natural
logarithm
base (e=2.71828)
m
=
coefficient
of
friction
coefficient of friction
angle of bend in pipe, radians
angle of bendq =in
pipe, radians
wB = weight of pipe or buoyant force on pipe, lbs/ft
weight of pipe
or buoyant force on pipe, lbs/ft
L = Length of pull, ft
Length of pull, ft

25

421-461.indd 442

1/16/09 10:15:07 AM

a m g Wp L1  L 2  L 3  L 4

a F1  m b Wb L 2  Wb H  m g Wp L 2 exp m g a

Chapter 12 443

Horizontal Directional Drilling

m g a
Wb L 3  exp m b[What
a m gisW"W
p Lp3" exp
above?]

(mg aexp
)(m g m
expH
Wp (aL 1m
+ LW
L 3 + L 4 ))
2 +L
b F3  m b Wb L 4F1=W
b
b
g
p 4 exp m g a
F = exp(m a )(F + m W L + W H m W L exp(m a ))

b
b 2
b
g
p 2
g
H = Depth of 2bore (ft)b 1
Fi = Pull Force on pipe at Point i (lb)
F3 = F2 + m b Wb L 3 exp(m b a )(m g Wp L 3 exp(m g a ))
Li = Horizontal
distance of Pull from point to point (ft)
m = Coeff. of friction (ground (g) and borehole (b))
F4 = exp(m b b )(F3 + m b Wb L 4 Wb H exp(m b a )(m g Wp L 4 exp(m g a )))
W = Pipe weight
(p) and Buoyant pipe weight (b) (lb/ft)
a, b = Entry Where
and Exit angles (radians)

Where:

H = Depth of bore (ft)

H = Depth of bore (ft)


Fi = Pull Force on pipe at Point i (lb)
Fi = Pull Force on pipe at Point i (lb)
Li = Horizontal distance of Pull from point
Li = Horizontal distance of Pull from point to point (ft)

to point (ft)
m
=
Coeff.
of
friction
(ground
(g)
and
borehole
(b))
m = Coeff. of friction (ground (g) and borehole (b))
W = Pipe
4 weight (p) and Buoyant pipe weight (b) (lb/ft)
Wp = Weight of pipeFigure
(lb/ft)
a,
b
=
Entry
angles
(radians)
Wb = Buoyant
force on pipe minus
weightand
ofCalculation
pipeExit
and contents
(lb/ft)
Estimated
Pullback
Force
a, b = Entry and Exit angles (radians)

ic Force

Figure 4 Estimated Pullback Force Calculation

Figure 4

ng, pipe movement


is resisted Estimated
by the drag
forceForce
of theCalculation
drilling fluid.
Pullback
Hydrokinetic Force
kinetic force is difficult to estimate and depends on the drilling slurry,
During pulling, pipe movement is resisted by the drag force of the drilling fluid.
Hydrokinetic
Force
rate pipe pullback
rate, and
borehole and pipe sizes. Typically, the
This hydrokinetic force is difficult to estimate and depends on the drilling slurry,
c pressure is estimated
bepullback
in therate,
30and
toborehole
60 kPa
tosizes.
8 psi)
range.
slurry flow rateto
pipe
and(4
pipe
Typically,
the

During pulling, pipe movement is resisted by the drag force of the drilling fluid.
This hydrokinetic force is difficult to estimate and depends on the drilling slurry,
(15)
p (D pipe
2
2
slurry
pullback
rate, and borehole and pipe
FHK flow
p rate
(15)sizes. Typically, the
H - OD )
hydrokinetic
8 pressure is estimated to be in the 30 to 60 kPa (4 to 8 psi) range.
hydrokinetic pressure is estimated to be in the 30 to 60 kPa (4 to 8 psi) range.

p
Where
2
FHK = hydrokinetic
force,
FHK = p (D H - OD 2 )
FHK = hydrokinetic
force, lbs
lbs
8
p = hydrokinetic
pressure,
p = hydrokinetic
pressure, psipsi
DH = borehole
diameter, inin
diameter,
DH = borehole
Where:
FHKin= hydrokinetic force, lbs
OD = pipe outside diameter,
OD = pipe outside diameter,
in
p = hydrokinetic
pressure, psi
ull back force, FT, then isDthe
combined
pullback
diameter,
in force, FP, plus the
H = borehole
ASCE
MOP
108
suggests
a
different
method
for
calculating
the hydrokinetic
OD
=
pipe
outside
diameter,
c force, FHK. For the example shown in Figure 4, Fin
F4. drag
P equals

TRESS

(15)

force.
suggests
the external
surface
area of
the pipe bypullback
a fluid dragforce, FP, plus
TheIttotal
pullmultiplying
back force,
FT, then
is the
combined
(18)
coefficient
of 0.025force,
lb/in2 after
Puckett
. The
total pullshown
back force,
FT, then 4,
is the
hydrokinetic
FHK.
For
the
example
in
Figure
FP equals F4.
DURING
PULLBACK
combined pullback force, FP, plus the hydrokinetic force, FHK. For the example
shown
in Figure
4, FP equals
F4.
TENSILE
STRESS
DURING
PULLBACK

the

um outer fiber tensile stress should not exceed the safe pull stress.
um outer fiberThe
tensile
stress
obtained
by taking
the
of the
thesafe pull stress.
maximum
outerisfiber
tensile stress
should
notsum
exceed

The maximum outer fiber tensile stress is obtained by taking the sum of the

421-461.indd 443

1/16/09 10:15:07 AM

444

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

ss in the pipeTensile
due toStress
the pullback
force, the hydrokinetic pulling force,
During Pullback
nsile bendingThestress
due to pipe curvature. During pullback it is
maximum outer fiber tensile stress should not exceed the safe pull stress. The
o monitor the maximum
pulling outer
force
and
tostress
useisaobtained
weakbylink
astheatensile
pipestress
of
fiber
tensile
taking (such
the sum of
mechanical break-away
or other
failsafepulling
method
to prevent
in the pipe due toconnector
the pullback force,
the hydrokinetic
force, and
the tensile
ng the pipe. bending stress due to pipe curvature. During pullback it is advisable to monitor
the pulling force and to use a weak link (such as a pipe of higher DR) mechanical
break- away connector or other failsafe method to prevent over-stressing the pipe.

stress occurring in the pipe wall during pullback is given by Eq. 16.

The tensile stress occurring in the pipe wall during pullback is given by Eq. 16.
(16)

st =

E D
FT
+ T OD
2R
t (D OD - t)

(16)

Where

sT = Axial tensile
stress,
psi
sT = Axial tensile
stress, psi
FT = Total pulling
force, lbs
FT = Total pulling
force,
lbs
t
=
Minimum
wall
thickness,
in in
t = Minimum wall thickness,
DOD = Outer diameter of pipe, in
diameter of pipe, in
DOD = Outer
ET = Time-dependent apparent modulus, psi (Refer to Appendix, Chapter 3, Engineering Properties,
ET = Time-dependent
tensile
modulus,
psi Code of the PE pipe being used and the

for the appropriate
value for the
Material Designation

applicable service conditions
R = Minimum radius of curvature in bore path, in
R = Minimum radius of curvature in bore path, in

ensile stress due


to the pulling forces should not exceed the safe pull
The axial tensile stress due to the pulling force should not exceed the pipes safe pull
s in Table 5 load.
canAsbe
used,in aorprevious
the designer
can strength
calculate
a safe
pull
discussed
section, the tensile
of PE pipe
is load-rate
Time under
load is an important
considerationsection,
in selectingthe
the appropriate
on a differentsensitive.
pull time.
As discussed
in a previous
tensile
strengthsensitive,
to use in calculating
safe pull load.
During pullback,
the pulling
PE pipe is tensile
load-rate
and the
therefore
values
of safe
pull
force is not continually applied to the pipe, as the driller must stop pulling after
h might be satisfactory for sliplining or insert renewal where the pull
extracting each drill rod in order to remove the rod from the drill string. The net
osed for a maximum
of 30 min. to 60 min may not be satisfactory for
result is that the pipe moves the length of the drill rod and then stops until the
drilling. With extracted
directional
drilling,
the istime
duration
of stress
intensity
rod is removed.
Pullback
an incremental
(discrete)
process rather
than
nger--between
4
hours
to
24
hours.
The
safe
pullload
is
time
a continuous process. The pipe is not subjected to a constant tensile force and thus
maymin.
relax some
between
pulls. Apull
one-hour
modulus
value might in
be safe
Hence, the 60
or less
safe
loadapparent
(to limit
elongation
the
for design, however, a 12-hour value will normally minimize stretching of the
tion of the pipeline where the pull force is largest), is inappropriate for
pipeline. Tables 3 through 6 give safe pull loads for PE pipes based on a 12-hour
tion pulls. Table
2 gives safe tensile stress values for time intervals.
value. The safe pull force also referred to as the allowable tensile load in the Tables
ur value will3 through
normally
keep
the
pull-nose
and
6 is based
on the
minimum
pipe wallstretch
thickness andlow
may be
foundavoid
using
erniation of the
HDPE
pipeline.
safe
values
gas
Equation
17. (The
safe pull Allowable
load may also be
foundpullback
using the average
wallfor
thickness.
Check
with
the
manufacture
for
the
average
wall
values.)
Allowable
safe
pullback
ven in ASTM F-1807, Practice for Determining Allowable Tensile
valuesGas
for gasPipe
pipe are
given inPull-In
ASTM F-1807,
Practice for Determining
olyethylene (PE)
during
Installation.
Tables 5Allowable
and 6
Tensile Load for Polyehtylene (PE) Gas Pipe during Pull-In Installation.
pull loads for HDPE pipes.

ck, pipe may take several hours (typically equal to the duration of the
ver from the axial strain. When pulled from the reamed borehole, the
hould be pulled out about 3% longer than the total length of the pull.
421-461.indd
strain
will 444recover immediately and the viscoelastic stretch will1/16/09

10:15:07 AM

Chapter 12 445

Horizontal Directional Drilling

(17)

WHERE
FS = Safe Pull Force (lbs)

TALLOW = Safe Pull Stress (psi)


DOD = Outside Diameter (in)
DR = Dimension Ratio

After pullback, pipe may take several hours (typically equal to the duration of the
pull) to recover from the axial strain. When pulled from the reamed borehole, the
pull-nose should be pulled out about 3% longer than the total length of the pull. The
elastic strain will recover immediately and the viscoelastic stretch will remember
its original length and recover overnight. One does not want to come back in the
morning to discover the pull-nose sucked back below the borehole exit level due
to stretch recovery and thermal-contraction to an equilibrium temperature. In the
worst case, the driller may want to pull out about 4% extra length (40 feet per 1000
feet) to insure the pull-nose remains extended beyond the borehole exit.

421-461.indd 445

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446

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

TABLE 3
PE 3xxx 12 hour Pull IPS Size
Safe Pull Force, lbs
Size

Nom. OD

11

13.5

17

1.25

1.660

940

787

653

527

1.5

1.900

1232

1030

855

690

2.375

1924

1610

1336

1079

3.500

4179

3497

2902

2343

4.500

6908

5780

4797

3872

6.625

14973

12529

10398

8393

8.625

25377

21235

17623

14225

10

10.750

39423

32988

27377

22098

12

12.750

55456

46404

38511

31086

14

14.000

66863

55949

46432

37480

16

16.000

87331

73076

60646

48954

18

18.000

110528

92487

76756

61957

20

20.000

136454

114182

94760

76490

22

22.000

165110

138160

114660

92553

24

24.000

196494

164422

136454

110146

26

26.000

230608

192967

160144

129268

28

28.000

267450

223796

185729

149920

30

30.000

307022

256909

213210

172102

32

32.000

N.A.

292305

242585

195814

34

34.000

N.A.

329985

273856

221056

36

36.000

N.A.

369949

307022

247827

42

42.000

N.A.

N.A.

417891

337321

48

48.000

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

440582

54

54.000

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

*Tables are based on the Minimum Wall Thickness of Pipe

421-461.indd 446

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Chapter 12 447

Horizontal Directional Drilling

TABLE 4
PE 3xxx 12 hour Pull DIPS Size
Safe Pull Force, lbs
Size

Nom. OD

11

13.5

17

4.800

7860

6577

5458

4406

6.900

16241

13590

11279

9104

9.050

27940

23379

19403

15662

10

11.100

42031

35171

29188

23561

12

13.200

59440

49738

41277

33319

14

15.300

79856

66822

55456

44764

16

17.400

103282

86424

71724

57895

18

19.500

129717

108544

90081

72713

20

21.600

159160

133182

110528

89218

24

25.800

227074

190010

157690

127287

30

32.000

349323

292305

242585

195814

36

38.300

N.A.

418730

347506

280506

42

44.500

N.A.

N.A.

469121

378673

48

50.800

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

493483

*Tables are based on the Minimum Wall Thickness of Pipe

421-461.indd 447

1/16/09 10:15:08 AM

448 Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

TABLE 5
PE 4xxx 12 hour Pull IPS Size
Safe Pull Force, lbs
Size

Nom. OD

11

13.5

17

1.25

1.660

983

822

682

551

1.5

1.900

1287

1077

894

722

2.375

2012

1683

1397

1128

3.500

4369

3656

3034

2449

4.500

7222

6043

5015

4048

6.625

15653

13098

10870

8774

8.625

26531

22200

18424

14872

10

10.750

41214

34487

28621

23103

12

12.750

57977

48513

40262

32499

14

14.000

69902

58492

48543

39184

16

16.000

91300

76398

63403

51179

18

18.000

115552

96691

80244

64773

20

20.000

142657

119372

99067

79967

22

22.000

172615

144440

119871

96760

24

24.000

205426

171896

142657

115152

26

26.000

241090

201739

167424

135144

28

28.000

279607

233969

194172

156735

30

30.000

320978

268587

222901

179925

32

32.000

N.A.

305592

253612

204715

34

34.000

N.A.

344985

286304

231104

36

36.000

N.A.

386765

320978

259092

42

42.000

N.A.

N.A.

436886

352654

48

48.000

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

460609

54

54.000

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

*Tables are based on the Minimum Wall Thickness of Pipe

421-461.indd 448

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Chapter 12 449

Horizontal Directional Drilling

TABLE 6
PE 4xxx 12 hour Pull DIPS Size
Safe Pull Force, lbs
Size

Nom. OD

11

13.5

17

4.800

8217

6876

5706

4606

6.900

16980

14208

11791

9518

9.050

29210

24442

20285

16374

10

11.100

43942

36770

30515

24632

12

13.200

62141

51998

43154

34834

14

15.300

83486

69859

57977

46799

16

17.400

107977

90353

74984

60527

18

19.500

135613

113478

94176

76018

20

21.600

166395

139235

115552

93273

24

25.800

237395

198647

164858

133073

30

32.000

365201

305592

253612

204715

36

38.300

N.A.

437764

363302

293256

42

44.500

N.A.

N.A.

490445

395886

48

50.800

N.A.

N.A.

N.A.

515914

*Tables are based on the Minimum Wall Thickness of Pipe

External Pressure During Installation


During pullback it is reasonable to assume that the borehole remains stable and open
and that the borehole is full of drilling slurry. The net external pressure due to fluid
in the borehole, then, is the slurry head, PMUD. This head can be offset by pulling
the pipe with an open nose or filling the pipe with water for the pullback. However,
this may not always be possible, for instance when installing electrical conduit. In
addition to the fluid head in the borehole, there are also dynamic sources of external
pressure:
1. If the pulling end of the pipe is capped, a plunger action occurs during pulling
which creates a mild surge pressure. The pressure is difficult to calculate. The
pipe will resist such an instantaneous pressure with its relatively high shortterm modulus. If care is taken to pull the pipe smoothly at a constant speed, this
calculation can be ignored. If the pipe nose is left open, this surge is eliminated.
2. External pressure will also be produced by the frictional resistance of the drilling
mud flow. Some pressure is needed to pump drilling mud from the reamer tool
into the borehole, then into the pipe annulus, and along the pipe length while
conveying reamed soil debris to the mud recovery pit. An estimate of this short
term hydrokinetic pressure may be calculated using annular flow pressure loss
formulas borrowed from the oil well drilling industry. This external pressure is
dependent upon specific drilling mud properties, flow rates, annular opening,
and hole configuration. This is a short-term installation condition. Thus, PE pipes
short-term external differential pressure capabilities are compared to the actual

421-461.indd 449

1/16/09 10:15:08 AM

onsideration of the dynamic or hydrokinetic pressure, PHK, the designer will


nsideration of the dynamic or hydrokinetic pressure, PHK, the designer will
additional external pressure to the slurry head:
additional external pressure to the slurry head:
450 Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

+ PPHK -- PP1
MUD 
PPNN = PPMUD
HK
1

(17)
(17)

re the terms have been defined previously.


re the terms have been defined previously.

short-term total external pressure during this installation condition.

stance to External
Collapse
Pressure
During
Under Collapse
normal
conditions,
the annular-flow
back pressure component is less
stance to External
Pressure
During
back Installation
than 4-8 psi.
back Installation

In consideration of the dynamic or hydrokinetic pressure, PHK, the designer will add

allowable external
pressure
equation,
Eq.11, with the appropriate
additionalbuckling
external pressure
to the slurry
head:
allowable external
buckling
pressure
equation,
Eq.11, with the appropriate
dependent modulus
value
can be
used to calculate the pipes resistance to
(18) PN = PMUD
+ Pcan
HK - Pbe
I
dependent modulus
value
used to calculate the pipes resistance to
external pressure, PN, given by Eq.17 during pullback. The following
external pressure,
PN, given by Eq.17 during pullback. The following
Where the terms have been defined previously.
ctions in strength
should be taken:
ctions in strength should be taken:
Resistance to External Collapse Pressure During Pullback Installation

The allowable external buckling pressure equation, Eq.11, with the appropriate
apparent modulus (see chapter 3- Appendix) value can be used to calculate the
during pullback.
The can be
pipes resistance
external pressure,
PN, given by Eq.18
he tensile pulling
forceto the
reduces
the buckling
resistance.
This
he tensile pulling
force
reduces
the
buckling
resistance.
This
can be
reductions in strength should be taken:
unted for by following
an additional
reduction factor, fR. The pulling load in the pipe
unted for by an additional reduction factor, fR. The pulling load in the pipe
The tensile
force reduces
the buckling resistance.
This can
be accounted
by
es a hoop strain
as pulling
described
by Poissons
ratio. The
hoop
strainforreduces
es a hoop strain
as described
byFRPoissons
ratio.
The
hoopa hoop
strain
reduces
.
The
pulling
load
in
the
pipe
creates
strain
an
additional
reduction
factor,
buckling resistance. Multiply Eq.11 by the reduction factor, fR to obtain the
buckling resistance.
Multiply
Eq.11
byhoop
thestrain
reduction
fR to obtain the
as described
by Poissons
ratio. The
reduces the factor,
buckling resistance.
wable externalMultiply
buckling
pressure
during
pullback.
Eq.11pressure
by the reduction
factor,pullback.
FR to obtain the allowable external buckling
able external buckling
during
pressure during pullback.

re
re

(19)

(20)

F =
FRR

(5.57 - (r + 1.09) 2 ) - 1.09


(5.57 - (r  1.09) 2 ) - 1.09

s
r = s TT
r 2S
2S

(18)
(18)
(19)
(19)


s = Where
calculated
tensile stress during pullback (psi)
sTT = scalculated
tensile
stress
during pullback (psi)
=
calculated
tensile
stress during
pullback (psi)
T
s = ssafe
pull
stress
(psi)
= safe pull
stress
(psi)
s = safe
pull
stress
(psi)

r = tensile stress ratio

e the pullback
time
is typically
several
hours,
modulus
value consistent
Since
the pullback
time is typically
several
hours, a a
value consistent
e the pullback
time
is typically
several
hours,
amodulus
modulus
value with
consistent
the
pullback
time
can
be
selected
from
Appendix,
Chapter
3.
the pullback time can be selected from Table 2.
he pullback time can be selected from Table 2.
Bending Stress
HDD river crossings incorporate radii-of-curvature, which allow the PE pipe to cold
bend within its elastic limit. These bends are so long in radius as to be well within
the flexural bending capability of SDR 11 PE pipe which can be cold bent to 25 times
29SDR 11 PE pipe, the radius of curvature could
its nominal OD (example: for a 12
29
be from infinity down to the minimum of 25 feet, i.e., a 50-foot diameter circle).
Because the drill stem and reaming rod are less flexible, normally PE can bend easily

421-461.indd 450

1/16/09 10:15:08 AM

Chapter 12 451

Horizontal Directional Drilling

to whatever radius the borehole steel drilling and reaming shafts can bend because
these radii are many times the pipe OD. However, in order to minimize the effect of
ovaling some manufacturers limit the radius of curvature to a minimum of 40 to 50
times the pipe diameter. As in a previous section, the tensile stress due to bending is
included in the calculations.
Thermal Stresses and Strains
HDD pipeline crossings generally become fully restrained in the axial direction
as progressive sedimentation and soil consolidation occur within the borehole.
The rate at which restraint occurs depends on the soil and drilling techniques
and can take from a few hours to months. This assumption is valid for the vast
majority of soil conditions, although it may not be completely true for each and
every project. During pipe installation, the moving pipeline is not axially restrained
by the oversize borehole. However, the native soil tends to sediment and embed
the pipeline when installation velocity and mud flow are stopped, thus allowing
the soil to grip the pipeline and prevent forward progress or removal. Under such
unfortunate stoppage conditions, many pipelines may become stuck within minutes
to only a few hours.
The degree to which the pipeline will be restrained after completed installation is
in large part a function of the sub-surface soil conditions and behavior, and the soil
pressure at the depth of installation. Although the longitudinal displacement due
to thermal expansion or contraction is minimal, the possibility of its displacement
should be recognized. The PE pipe should be cut to length only after it is in
thermal equilibrium with the surrounding soil (usually overnight). In this way the
installed versus operating temperature difference is dropped to nearly zero, and
the pipe will have assumed its natural length at the existing soil/water temperature.
Additionally, the thermal inertia of the pipe and soil will oppose any brief
temperature changes from the flow stream. Seasonal temperature changes happen so
slowly that actual thermally induced stresses are usually insignificant within PE for
design purposes.
Torsion Stress
A typical value for torsional shear stress is 50% of the tensile strength. Divide
the transmitted torque by the wall area to get the torsional shear stress intensity.
During the pullback and reaming procedure, a swivel is typically used to separate
the rotating cutting head assembly from the pipeline pull segment. Swivels are not
100% efficient and some minor percent of torsion will be transmitted to the pipeline.
For thick wall PE pipes of SDR 17, 15.5, 11, 9 and 7, this torsion is not significant and
usually does not merit a detailed engineering analysis.

421-461.indd 451

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452

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS Example Calculations are given in Appendix A and B.

References
1. Sener, E.M. & Stein, R. (1995). Mini-Horizontal Directional Drilling Manual, North American Society for Trenchless
Technology (NASTT), Reston, Virginia.
2. Horizontal Directional Drilling Good Practices Guidelines, North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT),
Reston, Virginia.
3. Safety Manual: Directional Drilling Tracking Equipment, Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI).
4. ASTM F1962, Guide for Use of Maxi-Horizontal Directional Drilling for Placement of Polyethylene Pipe or Conduit Under
Obstacles, Including River Crossings, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA.
5. ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 108, Pipeline Design for Installation by Horizontal Directional
Drilling, ASCE, Reston, Virginia (2005).
6. Petroff, L.J. (2006). Designing Polyethylene Water Pipe for Directional Drilling Applications Using ASTM F1962,
NASTT No-Dig Conference, Nashville, TN.
7. ORourke, T.D., El-Gharbawy, S.L. & Stewart, H.E. (1991). Soil Loads at Pipeline Crossings, ASCE Specialty
Conference on Pipeline Crossings, Denver, CO..
8. Stein, D., Mollers, K. & Bielecki, R (1989) Microtunnelling, Ernest & Sohn, Berlin..
9. Petroff, L.J. (1999). Guidelines for Design of Directionally-Drilled Polyethylene Pipe, International Plastic Pipe Fuel
Gas Symposium, PPI, AGA, & GTI, New Orleans, LA.
10. Spangler, M. G. & Handy, R. L. (1973). Soil Engineering, Intext, Harper and Row, New York, NY.
11. Knight, M.A., Duyvestyn, G., & Gelinas, M. (2001, Sept). Excavation of surface installed pipeline, J. Infrastructural
Systems, Vol. 7, no 3, ASCE.
12. Ariaratnam, S.T. (2001). Evaluation of the Annular Space Region in Horizontal Directional Drilling Installations,
Arizona State University.
13. Watkins, R.K. & Anderson, L.R. (1995). Structural Mechanics of Buried Pipes, Dept. of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
14. DRILLPATH (1996). Infrasoft L.L.C., Maurer Technology.
15. Svetlik, H. (1995, March). Design Considerations for PE Pipe Used in Directional Drilling, No-Dig Engineering, Vol.2,
No.3.
16. Kirby, M.J., Kramer, S.R., Pittard, G.T., & Mamoun, M. (1996). Design Guidelines and Procedures for Guided
Horizontal Drilling, Proceedings of the International No-Dig 96 Conf., New Orleans, LA.
17. Huey, D.P., Hair, J.D., & McLeod, K.B. (1996). Installation Loading and Stress Analysis Involved with Pipelines
Installed by Horizontal Directional Drilling, No-Dig 96 Conf., New Orleans, LA.
18. Puckett, J.S. (2003). Analysis of Theoretical versus Actual HDD Pulling Loads, ASCE International Conference on
Pipeline Engineering and Construction, Baltimore, MD.

Appendix A
Design Calculation Example for Service Loads (Post-Installation)
Example 1

A 6 IPS DR 11 PE4710 pipe is being pulled under a railroad track. The minimum
depth under the track is 10 ft. Determine the safety factor against buckling.

Given Parameters
OD = 6.625 in
Nominal Pipe OD

DR = 11 Pipe
Dimension Ratio

H = 10 ft.
Max. Borehole Depth

gs = 120 lbf/ft 3

Unit Weight of Soil

PLive = 1,100 Ibf/ft 2


E-80 Live Load

421-461.indd 452

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Chapter 12 453

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Wheel loading from train will be applied for several minutes without relaxation.
crossing
may minutes
accumulate.
A relaxation.
conservative choice for the
l loading from Repetitive
train will betrains
applied
for several
without
apparentmay
modulus
is the 1000-hour
modulus. choice for the
itive trains crossing
accumulate.
A conservative
ent modulus is the 1000-hour modulus.
PE Material
Parameters
Wheel loading E
from
willpsi
be applied
forLong-Term
several minutes
without
relaxation.
43,700
= 0.45
Poissons
Ration
mid =train
Wheel
loading
from
train
will be appliedAfor conservative
several minutes without
relaxation.
Repetitive
trains
crossing
may
accumulate.
choice
for the
43,700 psi =
0.45
Long-Term
Poissons
Ration
Repetitive
trains
crossing
may
accumulate.
A
conservative
choice
for
the
pparent modulus
the Live
1000-hour
modulus. on Pipe (Assuming that the apparent
Soilisand
Load Pressure
earth load equals the
modulus is the 1000-hour modulus. See Appendix of Chapter 3 Table B.1.1.
loadon
is Pipe
perhaps
too conservative
exceptload
for aequals
calculation
nd Live Load prism
Pressure
(Assuming
that the earth
the involving dynamic
E
=
46,000
psi
Eload
43,700
psi
=
0.45
Long-Term
Poissons
Ration
mid
mid = is
surface
loading.)
perhaps too conservative except for a calculation involving dynamic
e loading.)
2all PE pipe
2
Ratio = 0.45 for
Soil and Live Load
the earth
1 ftPipe
/144(Assuming
inmaterials
Pthat
= 15.97
psi load equals the
P == Poissons
(gPressure
SH+ PLive)on
2 Soil and2too
rism
load
is
perhaps
conservative
except
for
a
calculation
involving
dynamic
Live
Load
Pressure
on
Pipe
(Assuming
that
the
earth
load equals
the prism
P = 15.97 psi
SH+ PLive) 1 ft /144 in
urface loading.)
load isDeflection
perhaps too conservative
except soil
for a calculation
dynamic surface
Ring
resulting from
and live involving
load pressures
assuming no side
loading.)
support
is given
10.pressures assuming no side
Deflection resulting
from
soil by
andequation
live load
2
2
) P1 =ft(g
/144
in
P = 15.97 psi
Prt=is(ggiven
SH+ P
Liveequation
H
+
P
)
1
/144
by
10.
s
Live

Ring Deflection Presulting


from soil and live load pressures assuming no side
= 16.0 psi
upport is given by equation 10. y
0.0125P
O
O
Deflection
resulting
and live load pressures assuming no side support
y Ring
0.0125
P
D fromEsoil
mid
O
= is given by equation 10.
O
3
E mid
D
12 DR  1
)3 P
12
y
y (DR
0.10125
O

E mid

%y/D
= 5.482 Percent deflection from soil loads
3
12 DR  1
%y/D = 5.482 Percent deflection from soil loads
Determine
critical
unconstrained
buckling pressure based on deflection from
% y/D = 5.1 Percent
deflection
from soil loads
loading and safety
factorpressure
using Eq.based
11
mine critical unconstrained
buckling
on deflection from
Percent
deflection
from
soil
loads
%y/D
=
5.482
g and safety factor
usingcritical
Eq. 11
Determine
unconstrained buckling pressure based on deflection from
foloading
= 0.56and
Ovality
compensation
safety factor
using Eq. 11 factor for 5.5% ovality from Figure 3
Determine
critical
unconstrained
buckling
pressure Figure
based3 on deflection from
56 Ovality compensation
for 5.5%
fo = 0.58 Ovalityfactor
compensation
factor forovality
5.1% ovalityfrom
from Figure 3
oading and safety
factor using Eq. 11
2E mid
1
PUC
(
)3 f O
2
2E mid
1
DR
1

(
1
m
)
3
( factor )for
f 5.5% ovality from Figure 3
compensation
o = 0.56 Ovality P
UC =
22 ) DR 1 O
(1- m

PUC = 68.4 psi


2E mid
1
P61.37
(Critical
) 3 safety
f O factor)
PCritical
psibuckling
buckling pressure (no safety factor)
UC
UC =unconstrained
2
pressure (nounconstrained
( 1 - m ) DR  1
61.37 psi
Critical unconstrained buckling pressure (no safety factor)
PUC
SFcr
SFcr = 3.84 Safety factor against buckling
PUC
P
PUC = 61.37 psiSF =Critical
unconstrained
buckling
pressure (no safety factor)
factor
against
buckling
P
SFcrcr= 4.33.84
Safety Safety
factor against
buckling
Example 2: A 6 IPS DR 13.5 HDPE pipe is being pulled under a small river for
PUC
use as
aniselectrical
duct. under
At its lowest
the pipe will be 18 feet
SFcr 2: A 6 IPS DR 13.5 HDPE
ple
pipe
being pulled
a smallpoint,
river for
SFcr = 3.84
Safety
factor
against buckling
P
below
the
river
surface.
Assume
the
slurry
weight is equal to 75
use as an electrical duct. At its lowest point, the pipe will be 18 feet
Ib/cu.ft.
The the
ductslurry
is empty
theto pull.
below the river surface.
Assume
weightduring
is equal
75 Calculate a) the
ExampleIb/cu.ft.
2: A 6The
IPS DR
is being
under
a small
riveragainst
for
maximum
pulling
force
and
the safety
buckling for
duct13.5
is HDPE
empty pipe
during
the pulled
pull. b)Calculate
a)factor
the
use
as
an
electrical
duct.
At
its
lowest
point,
the
pipe
will
be
18
feet
the
pipe.
Assume
that
the
pipes
ovality
is
3%
and
that
the pulling
maximum pulling force and b) the safety factor against buckling for
below
the
river
surface.
Assume
the
slurry
weight
is
equal
to
75
time
willpipes
not exceed
the pipe. Assume that
the
ovality 10
is hours.
3% and that the pulling
Ib/cu.ft.
The
duct
is
empty
during
the pull. Calculate a) the
time will not exceed 10 hours.
maximum pulling force and b) the safety factor against buckling for
421-461.indd 453

1/16/09 10:15:09 AM

454

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Example 2

A 6 IPS DR 13.5 PE4710 pipe is being pulled under a small river for use as an
Solution:

electrical duct. At its lowest point, the pipe will be 18 feet below the river surface.
Assume
the slurry
is equal
to 75 Ib/cu.ft.
The duct
is empty during the pull.
Solution:
Calculate
the safe
pullweight
strength
or allowable
tensile
load.
Calculate a) the maximum pulling force and b) the safety factor against buckling
for
the pipe.the
Assume
the
pipes
ovality
is 3% and that
the pulling
safe
pull
strength
or allowable
tensile
load.time will not
OD =Calculate
6.625in.
Pipethat
outside
diameter
Solution:
exceed
10
hours.
DR = 13.5
Pipe dimension ratio

6.625in.
diameter
Tallow =OD
1150=psi
TypicalPipe
safeoutside
pull stress
for HDPE for 12-hour pull duration
Calculate
the safe pull strength or allowable tensile load.
Solution
DR
= 13.5
Pipe dimension ratio
the safe pull strength or allowable tensile load.
TCalculate
1 psi 1 Typical safe pull stress for HDPE for 12-hour pull duration
allow = 1150
2
OD
=
6.625in.
Pipe
) outside diameter
Fs STOD
OD (- Pipe outside
diameter
allow= 6.625in.
2
DR
DR
DR
= -13.5
Pipe dimension ratio
DR = 13.5
Pipe dimension ratio
1
1
2
=
1150
psi
Typical
stress
HDPE
for1. 12-hour pull duration
TTFallow
S
- stress2for)safe
T
OD
(
= 1150
psi - Typical safe pull
PE4710pull
for 12-hour
pull for
duration.
See Table
allow
s
allow
4
DRpull DR
strength for 6 IPS DR 13.5 HDPE pipe assuming
Fs = 1.088 x 10 lbf Safe
10-hour
maximum
pull duration
1
1
2
Tallow xOD
) strength for 6 IPS DR 13.5 HDPE pipe assuming
104( lbf Safe
pull
FFss == 1.088
2
DR DR
10-hour
duration
Step 1:
Determine the
criticalmaximum
buckling pull
pressure
during Installation for the
4
Fs = 1.088 x 10 lbf
pipe (include
tensile reduction factor assuming the frictional drag
4
1.088
x610
lbf13.5Safe
strength
for 6 pull
IPS
DR 13.5 HDPE pipe assuming
FSafe
for
IPS DR
PE pipepull
assuming
12-hour maximum
duration.
s =pull
Step
1:force
Determine
the
critical
pressure
during Installation for the
during
pull
in 1000
psibuckling
longitudinal
pipe stress)
Also see Table
5 for safe
pull results
force.
10-hour maximum pull duration
pipe (include tensile reduction factor assuming the frictional drag
Step 1psi
during
pullmodulus
results inof1000
psi longitudinal
pipe
E = 57,500
Apparent
elasticity
(for 10 hours
at stress)
73 degrees F)
Step
1: the critical
Determine
the
critical
buckling
pressure
during
Installation for the
Determine
buckling
pressure
during
Installation
for
the
pipe
(include
= 0.45
Poissons ratio (long term value)
pipe
(include the
tensile
reduction
factor
assuming
the frictional drag
reduction
factor assuming
frictional
drag
during
pull
results
1000 psi
Etensile
= 57,500
psiOvality
Apparent
modulus
of elasticity
(for
10 in
hours
at 73 degrees F)
fo = 0.76
compensation
factor
(for
3%
ovality)
during
pull
results
in
1000
psi
longitudinal
pipe
stress)
longitudinal
pipe
stress)
= 0.45
Poissons ratio (long term value)
foE =
0.76
Ovality
factor
3% ovality)
= 63,000
psi - Apparent
of elasticity
(for 12 hours1000
at 73 degrees
F) (for
R = 0.435
Tensile
ratio modulus
(based
on compensation
assumed
psi pull
stress
calculation)
E =
57,500 psi
Apparent modulus of elasticity (for 10 hours at 73 degrees F)
= Poissons Ratio = 0.45 for all PE materials
f == 0.76
0.45
Poissons
ratio (long term value)
- Ovality
compensation
factor
(for 3% ovality)
Ro = 0.435
Tensile
ratio
(based
on assumed 1000 psi pull stress calculation)
fo = 0.76
Ovality compensation factor (for 3% ovality)

(based
5.57Tensile
 r  1.09
1.09 onf assumed
0.71 1000
Tensile
Reduction
Factor
Rf R= 0.435
ratio
psi pull
stress calculation)
R
2

R = 0.435 - Tensile ratio (based on assumed2 1000 psi pull stress calculation)
f
f R 0.71
1 5.573  r  1.09  1.09
fR2E
= 0.71 R

Critical
unconstrained
Tensile
Reduction Factor
buckling
pressure
for DR 13.5

)
f
f
P
39.90
(
Pcr
O
R
CR
(1 - P 2 ) DR - 1
Criticalsafety
unconstrained
pipe
without
factor
2E= 5.57 1 (r + 31.09)2 1.09
f
f
=
0
.
71
Tensile
Reduction
Factor
buckling
pressure
for DR 13.5
R
) fO fR
PCR R39.90
(
Pcr
2
DR
1
P
(1
)
without
safety
Step 2:
Determine expected loads on pipe (assume onlypipe
static
drilling
fluidfactor
Critical
unconstrained
1 on 3pipe, and borehole intact with no buckling
2E Factor
head
acting
soil loading)
Tensile Reduction
pressure for DR 13.5
=43.71 2 (
) fO fR
PCR = 39.90
PPcr
CR = 2:
Step
Determine
expected
loads
on
pipe
(assume
only
static
drilling
fluid
(1 -3 ) DR - 1
pipe without safety
factor
Critical unconstrained
buckling
pressure
for
DR
13.5
pipe
without
safety
factor
headfluid
acting
on pipe, H
and
borehole
intact with
soil loading)
gslurry = 75 lbf/ft , drilling
weight
= 18
ft, Maximum
boreno
depth
Step 2:
Determine
expected loads on pipe (assume only static drilling fluid
3
gslurry = 75 lbf/ft
, drilling fluid weight
H = 18 ft, Maximum
depth
Total staticbore
drilling
1ft 2 head acting on pipe, and borehole intact
with no soil loading)
)
P
9.37
psi
Pslurry Hg slurry (
fluid
head
pressure
if
slurry
144in 2
static drilling
2
drilled Total
from surface
gPslurry = 75
lbf/ft( 3,1ft
drilling
fluid weight
H = 18 ft, Maximum bore depth
)
P
9.37
psi
Hg
fluid
head
pressure if
slurry
slurry
slurry
2
144in
drilled
fromduring
surface
Step 3:
Determine the resulting safety factor against critical
buckling
Total static drilling
1ft 2
Installation
) Pslurry = 9.37 psi
Pslurry = Hg slurry (
fluid head 1/16/09
pressure
ifAM
421-461.indd 454
10:15:09
2
Step
3:
Determine
the resulting safety factor against critical buckling
during

 1 .209
 1.09 f R f 0R .710.71 Tensile
Tensile
Reduction
Factor
r  1 r.09
f R f R 5.575.57
 1.09
Reduction
Factor
2

Chapter 12 455

Horizontal Directional Drilling

2E 2E 1 13 3
39.90
) f)O f RO f R PCR PCR
39.90
( (
Pcr Pcr
-1 -1
(1 - P(12 )- P 2 )DR DR
Step
StepStep
2: 22:

Critical
unconstrained
Critical
unconstrained
buckling
pressure
for DR
buckling
pressure
for DR
13.513.5
without
safety
factor
pipepipe
without
safety
factor

Determine
expected
loads
on pipe
(assume
static
drilling
Determine
expected
loads
on pipe
(assume
onlyonly
static
drilling
fluidfluid

Determine expected
loads
on
onlyborehole
static drilling
fluid
head
acting
onloading)
head
acting
on (assume
pipe,
intact
no
soil
head
acting
onpipe
pipe,
andand
borehole
intact
withwith
no soil
loading)
pipe, and borehole intact with no soil loading)
3

33
ggslurry
75
lbf/ft
, drilling
fluid
weight H =H18= ft,
18Maximum
ft, Maximum
depth
75 lbf/ft
drilling
fluid
weight
gslurry
= 75==lbf/ft
, ,drilling
fluid
weight
borebore
depth
slurry

H = 18 ft, Maximum bore depth

1ft 2 1ft 2
) Pslurry9.379.37
Hg(slurry ( 2 ) P2 slurry
psi psi
PslurryPslurry
Hg slurry
144in
144in

Total
static
drilling
Total
static
drilling
pressure
fluidfluid
headhead
pressure
if if
drilled
from
surface
drilled from surface

Pslurry = 9.36 psi


Total static drilling fluid head pressure if drilled from surface

StepStep
3: 3:
Step 3

Determine
resulting
safety
factor
against
critical
buckling
during
Determine
the the
resulting
safety
factor
against
critical
buckling
during
Installation
Installation

Determine the resulting safety factor against critical buckling duringSafety


installation
Safety
factor
against
factor
against

SFCR

P P
PCR
SFCRSF=CR =CR CR SFCR
PslurryPslurry
Pslurry

= 4.25
= 4.25
SFCR
SFCR
4.25

critical
buckling
during
critical
buckling
during
pull.pull.

34 34
SFCR = 4.67
3:
3:
Determine
Determine
the
the
safety
safety
factor
factor
for
for
long
long
termterm
performance
performance
the the
Example Example
3: Example
Determine
the
safety
factor
for
long
term
performance
for the for for
Safety factor against critical buckling during pull
communication
communication
ductduct
in example
in Assume
example
2. Assume
2. Assume
are are
10 10
feetfeet
of of
communication
duct in example
2.
there
arethere
10there
feet
of
Example 3 riverbed
riverbed
deposits
deposits
above
above
the
the
borehole
borehole
having
having
a
saturated
a
saturated
unit
unit
riverbed deposits above 3the 3 borehole having a saturated unit
3
Determine
safety
long-term
performance
for
the
communication
duct
weight
weight
offactor
of for
110
Ib/ft
Ib/ft
.deep,
(18. (18
feet
feet
deep,
deep,
3%
3%
initial
initial
ovality)
ovality)
weight
ofthe
110
Ib/ft
.110
(18
feet
3%
initial
ovality)
Solution:

in Example 2. Assume there are 10 feet of riverbed deposits above the borehole
having a saturated unit weight of 110 lb/ft3. (18 feet deep, 3% initial ovality)
Solution:
Solution:

Solution
1: 1: Determine
Determine
pipe
pipe
soil
soil
loadload
(Warning
(Warning
requires
requires
Input
of ovality
of ovality
Step 1: StepStep
Determine
the
pipe the
soilthe
load
(Warning
requires
Input
of Input
ovality
compensation
compensation
in
step
in
step
4.)
4.)
Step 1
compensation
in step 4.)

Determine the pipe soil load (Warning: Requires input of ovality compensation
E long
E long
=psi
28,200
= 28,200
psi
psi termLong
Long
termterm
apparent
apparent
modulus
modulus
4.
long in
= step
28,200
Long
apparent
modulus

3
3
3 = 62.4
glbf/ft.
62.4
lbf/ft.
lbf/ft.
Unit
weight
weight
of water
of water
w =gpsi
w
gw =E long
62.4
Unit
weight
ofUnit
water
= 29,000
- Long-term
apparent
modulus
H =3 H
= ftweight
18Max.
ftofMax.
borehole
borehole
depth
depth
= 62.4
-18
Unit
water
H g=w 18
ftlbf/ft.
Max.
borehole
depth
3
3
3
g
=
g
110
=
110
lbf/ft.
lbf/ft.
Saturated
Saturated
unit
weight
weight
of sediments
of sediments
s - Borehole
s
18 ft Max.
depth Saturated unit weight ofunit
gs H== 110
lbf/ft.
sediments
GW
18= ft18unitftweight
Groundwater
Groundwater
height
110 lbf/ft.
-=Saturated
of sediments
s = 18
GWg=
ft 3GW
Groundwater
height height
C
=
C
10ft.
=
10ft.
Height
Height
of
soil
of
soil
cover
cover
GW
=
18
ft
Groundwater
height
C = 10ft.
Height of soil cover
C
= 10ft. -OD
Height
of6.625
soil
cover
OD
=
=
6.625
in
in
Nominal
Nominal
OD OD
OD = 6.625 in
Nominal
pipe
OD pipepipe
OD = 6.625
in -DR
Nominal
pipe
OD
DR
=
13.5
=
13.5
Pipe
Pipe
dimension
dimension
ratioratio
DR = 13.5
Pipe dimension ratio
DR = 13.5 -
Pipe
dimension
ratio
= 0.45 Long Term
Long
Long
Term
Term
Poissons
Poissons
ratioratio
= 0.45 = 0.45
Poissons
ratio

= Poissons Ratio = 0.45 for all PE materials

Psoil

2
1ft 2 1ft 2
1ft
load
load
on pipe
on pipe
fromfrom
10 10
of of
=
=
= 3.30
) P2 psi
) P=soil3.30
psiPrism
psi loadPrism
P
P
(
g
(
g
g
)
g
C
)
(
C
on Prism
pipe
from
10
of
soil
(g S - gsoilW ) soil
C (S SW 2 W) Psoil ( 23.30
144in
144in
saturated
saturated
cover
cover
(including
(including
144in
saturated cover
(including
buoyant
buoyant
force
force
on
submerged
on
Psoil = 3.30 psi
buoyant force on submerged submerged
soil)
soil) soil)
Prism load on pipe from 10 of saturated cover (including soil)
buoyant force on
submerged

2: 2: Calculate
the the
ringring
deflection
deflection
resulting
from
soil
soil
loads
loads
assuming
no no
Step 2: StepStep
Calculate
theCalculate
ring deflection
resulting
fromresulting
soil from
loads
assuming
noassuming
sideside
support.
support.
side support.
421-461.indd 455

1/16/09 10:15:10 AM

Psoil

(g S - g W ) C (

1ft
) Psoil
144in 2

456 Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

3.30 psi

Prism load on pipe from 10 of


saturated cover (including
buoyant force on submerged
soil)

Step 2:
Calculate the ring deflection resulting from soil loads assuming n
Pside
P
SFCR
4.254.25
SFCRSFCR CR CRsupport. SFCR
PslurryPslurry
Step 2

Calculate the ring deflection resulting from soil loads assuming no side support.
Example
Example
3: 3:
Determine
Determine
the the
safety
safety
factor
factor
for for
longlong
termterm
performance
performance
for for
the the
communication
communication
ductduct
in example
in example
2. Assume
2. Assume
there
there
are are
10 10
feetfeet
of of
0
.
0125
P
100
u
u
riverbed
deposits
deposits
above
the the
borehole
borehole
having
having
a saturated
a saturated
unitunit
soil above
Percent
deflection
from
soil
% (y/D)
=riverbed
3
3
weight
weight
of
110
of
110
Ib/ft
Ib/ft
.
(18
.
(18
feet
feet
deep,
deep,
3%
3%
initial
initial
ovality)
ovality)
loads
%y/D = 3.43
%(y/D) =
E long
[
]
12 (DR - 1) 3
Solution:
Solution:
% (y/D) = 3.33 Percent deflection from soil loads

t = OD/DR
t =0.491
inpipe
StepStep
1:t = OD/DR
1:
Determine
Determine
the the
pipe
soil soil
loadload
(Warning
(Warning
requires
requires
Input
Input
of ovality
of ovality
t =0.491 in
compensation
compensation
in step
in step
4.) 4.)
Step
3: Determine the long-term hydrostatic loads on the pipe
Step
3
Determine
hydrostatic
loads
on term
the
pipe
E long
E long
= the
28,200
=long-term
28,200
psi psi
Long
Long
term
apparent
apparent
modulus
modulus
3
3
gw =gw62.4
= 62.4
lbf/ft.
lbf/ft.
UnitUnit
weight
weight
of water
of waterExternal pressure due to
GW
= 11.09
) +Max.
Psoil PWborehole
PW = H( =H18= ft18Max.
ft
borehole
depth
depth
groundwater head
2.31 ft/psi
3
3
GW
External
pressure due to
g
g
=
110
lbf/ft.
lbf/ft.
Saturated
Saturated
unit
unit
weight
weight
of
sediments
of sediments
s =
s110
)  Psoil PW 11.09
(
PP
= 11.09
WW
groundwater
headdue to
GW
pressure
GWGW
18=
ft18 3ft
Groundwater
Groundwater
height
heightExternal
2=.31
ft/psi
due to groundwater
)  Psoil head
PW Unit
11.09weight of drilling fluid
PW =pressure
(75
gExternal
lb/cu.ft.
groundwater
head
slurry C
=
C
10ft.
=
10ft.
Height
Height
of
soil
of
soil
cover
cover
GW
External pressure due to
.31
ft/psi )  P
35
PWNominal
11.09
PW OD
( 2OD
soil
GW
External
pressure
=
6.625
=
6.625
in
in
Nominal
pipe
pipe
OD
OD
groundwater
headdue to
3
.31lb/cu.ft.
ft/psi ) + Psoil PW = 11.09
= ( 275
PgWslurry
Unit weight of drillinggroundwater
fluid
head
DR2.DR
=3113.5
= 13.5
PipePipe
dimension
dimension
ratioratio
ft/psi
3 1ft 2
Unit
weight
of
drilling
fluid
gUnit
75
lb/cu.ft.
External
pressure
due to slurry
=
=
)
P
9.37
psi
Pslurry
g
H
(
weight
ofslurry
drilling
fluid
=

0.45
= 0.45
Long
Long
Term
Term
Poissons
Poissons
ratioratio
slurry
slurry
2
3
Unit
weight
of
drilling
fluid
head
g slurry 75 lb/cu.ft.144in
2
3 1ft
External pressure due to slurry
weight
g slurry
lb/cu.ft.
9.37
psi of drilling fluid
Pslurry= 75g slurry
H (2 2 2 ) Pslurry Unit
1ft 144in
1ft
head
External
pressure
Prism
Prism
load
load
on pipe
on pipe
fromfrom
10due
10
of to
of slurry
) PP) Pfor
3.30
psi
Psoil Psoil(Pgslurry
CW, therefor
)( H
C ( 2 use
9.37psi
psi
g-)gslurry
>ggPSWslurry
buckling
load
S -(
soil3.30
W
1ft 22 2 soilW slurry
144in
144in
head
saturated
saturated
cover
cover
(including
(including
External
pressure
due to slurry
Pslurry g slurry H ( 1ft 2 ) Pslurry 9.37 psi
External
pressure
due
to slurry
!
P
for
buckling
load
P
P
,
therefor
use
144in
buoyant
buoyant
force
force
on
submerged
on
submerged
) WPslurry = 9.37 psi
head
P
gslurry
Pslurry
psi H (
W ==9.37
slurry
slurry
2
Step
4:
Determine
critical
unconstrained
buckling
pressure
based
on
144in
head
PW ! Ppressure
use
External
due to slurry
headPW for buckling load soil)soil)
slurry , therefor
deflection from loading
PW ! P4:slurry , therefor
use PW for
buckling
load
Step
Determine
critical
unconstrained
buckling pressure based on
PW for
buckling
load
, therefor
usethe
StepStep
2:PW2:> Pslurry
Calculate
Calculate
the
ring
ring
deflection
deflection
resulting
resulting
from
from
soil soil
loads
loads
assuming
assuming
no no
deflection
loading
Step
Determine
critical
unconstrained
pressure
on
5%
Ovalityfrom
Compensation
based buckling
on 3% initial
ovalitybased
and 2%
fo = 0.4:64
side
side
support.
support.
Therefor
use
PW
for
buckling
load
deflection
loading
Step 4:
Determine
critical
unconstrained buckling pressure based on
deflection from
Step
4: 64
Determine
critical
unconstrained
pressure
based
fo = 0.
5% Ovality
Compensation
based buckling
on 3% initial
ovality
and on
2%
deflection
from
loading
Step 4
deflection
from
loading
deflection
based on 3% initial ovality and 2%
fo = 0. 642E long 5% Ovality
1 3 Compensation
Determine critical (unconstrained
buckling
pressure
based
deflection from loading
=
)
f
P
23.17
psi on on
deflection
Critical
unconstrained
O
UC
5%
Ovality
Compensation
based
3%
initial
ovality and 2%
foP=UC0.= 64
2
DR
-1
percent
(12E
m 5%
) Ovality
Five
Compensation
based
on
3.3%
deflection
with
an
additional
factor
for
fofo== 0.0.6464
Ovality
Compensation
based
on
3%
initial
ovality
2%
buckling pressure (noand
safety
1 3
longdeflection
conservatism.
fO
PUC 23.17 psi
PUC0 . 0125
02E
. 0125
Psoil
u 2deflection
u( Pusoil100
u) 100
Critical
unconstrained
Percent
Percent
deflection
deflection
fromfrom
soil soil
factor
1 -1 3
(1 long
m ) ( DR
)
f
P
23.17
psi
P
buckling
pressure
(no safety
Critical
unconstrained
UC
O
UC
2
loads
loads
%y/D
%y/D
= 3.43
= 3.43
%(y/D)
%(y/D)
= = 2E
DR1 - 1) 3 f
Elong
mlongE) long
(
P
23.17
psi
PUC[ ([12E
factor
]
]
buckling
pressure
(no
Critical unconstrained safety
O
UC
22
31 3 3
long
(DR
DR
1
m
)
1)
1)
=
(
)
f
P
23.17
psi
PUC =12(1(DR
P12
Critical
unconstrained
O
UC
2
factor buckling
Safety factor against
pressure
of
buckling
pressure
(no safety
SF CR =(1 UCm ) DR - 1 SF CR = 2.08
buckling
pressure
(no
safety
PUC = 23.83 P
psiW
highest load (slurry)
factor
P UCt =0.491
t = OD/DR
t = Critical
OD/DR
t =0.491
in in
Safety factor against
factor buckling pressure of
buckling
pressure
(no safety
factor)
SF CR
SF CRunconstrained
2.08
PP
highestfactor
load against
(slurry) buckling pressure of
Safety
SF
SF CR
SFCRCR= 2.14 UCW
2.08
PPUC
StepStep
3: Determine
3: Determine
the the
long-term
long-term
hydrostatic
hydrostatic
loads
loads
on
the
on
the
pipe
pipe buckling pressure of
highest
load
(slurry)
W
Safety factor against
SF CR
SF CR
2.08
PPUC
Safety
factor
against
highest load (slurry) buckling pressure of
SF CR = 2.08
SF CR = W
PW
highest load (slurry)
421-461.indd 456

1/16/09 10:15:11 AM

fo = 0. 64

PUC =

5% Ovality Compensation based on 3% initial ovality and 2%


deflection

2E long

1 3
) fO
(1 m ) DR - 1

SF CR =

P UC
PW

PUC = 23.17 psi

SF CR = 2.14
2.08

Chapter 12 457

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Critical unconstrained
buckling pressure (no safety
factor

Safety factor against buckling pressure of


highest load (slurry)

Safety Factor against buckling pressure of highest load groundwater head (11.09 psi)

APPENDIX B
Design Calculations Example for Pullback Force
Example 1

APPENDIX B:
DESIGN CALCULATIONS EXAMPLE FOR PULLBACK FORCE

Find the estimated force required to pull back pipe for the above theoretical river
crossing using Slavins Method. Determine the safety factor against collapse. Assume
the PE pipe is 35 ft deep and approximately 870 ft long with a 10 deg. entry angle and
a 15 deg. exit angle. Actual pullback force will vary depending on backreamer size,
selection, and use; bore hole staying open; soil conditions; lubrication with bentonite;
driller expertise; and other application circumstances.

36
Pipe Properties
Outside Diameter
OD = 24 in - Long-term Modulus - Elong = 29,000 psi, PE4710 Material

Standard Dimension Ratio


DR = 12 - 12 hr Modulus - E 24hr =63,000 psi

Minimum wall thickness


t = 2.182 in - Poissons ratio (long term) - = 0.45 - Safe Pull Stress (12 hr) - s pb = 1,150 psi

Path Profile
H = 35 ft Depth of bore

gin = 10 deg Pipe entry angle


gex = 15 deg Pipe exit angle
L1 = 100 ft Pipe drag on surface (This value starts at total length of pull, approximately 870 ft. then decreases
with time. Assume 100 ft remaining at end of pull)

Lcross = 870 ft

421-461.indd 457

1/16/09 10:15:11 AM

pull, approximately 870 ft. then decreases with time. Assume


100 ft remaining at end of pull)
L

458 Chapter 12

= 870 ft

cross Drilling
Horizontal Directional

Path length (Determine L2 and L4):


Average Radius of Curvature for Path at Pipe Entry
radians Path length (Determine L2 and L4)

gin

is

given

in

Average Radius of Curvature for Path at Pipe Entry gin is given in radians

R avg
in = 2H/g in
avgin

R avgin = 2.298 10 3 ft

Ravg in = 2.298 x 103 ft

Average
Radius
offor
Curvature
for Path at Pipe Exit
Average Radius
of Curvature
Path at Pipe Exit
2
R agex 2H/g ex
R agex 1.021 u 10 3 ft
2
Ravg
R agex = 1.021 10 3 ft
agexex = 2H/g ex
Horizontal
Required to 37
Achieve Depth or Rise to the Surface at
Ravg ex = 1.021 Distance
x 10 3 ft
Pipe
Entry
Horizontal Distance
Required to Achieve
Depth orto
RiseAchieve
to the SurfaceDepth
at Pipe Entry
Horizontal
Distance
Required
or Rise to the Surface at
Pipe Entry
L 2 2H/g in
2H/g
LL2 2= =
401.07
ft in

L 2 401.07ft
L 2 = 401.07ft

Horizontal
Distance
Required
or Rise to the Surface at
Horizontal Distance
Required to Achieve
Depth orto
RiseAchieve
to the SurfaceDepth
at Pipe Exit
Pipe
Exit Distance Required to Achieve Depth or Rise to the Surface at
Horizontal
Where
L2 & LExit
Pipe
4 = horizontal transition distance at bore exit & entry respectively.

L 4 2H/gex
L 4 = 2H/gAxial
ex
Determine
Bending Stress

L 4 267.38ft
L 4 = 267.38ft

R = Ravg ex - Min.
& for
L4Drill=pathhorizontal transition distance at bore exit & entry
Where:
L2 Radius
R
= 1.021 x 10 3 ft
respectively.
Where: L2 & L4 = horizontal transition distance at bore exit & entry
OD = 24 in
respectively.
Radius of curvature should exceed 40 times the pipe outside diameter to prevent ring collapse.
Determine
Axial Bending Stress:
r = 40 OD
Determine
r = 80Axial
ft Okay Bending Stress:
Min. Radius for Drill path
R > r R = Ravgex
3
R=
= 1.021
Ravgex x 10 ft
Min. Radius for Drill path
R
Bending strain

3
R = =1.021
OD
24 inx 10 ft
ea = 9.79 x 10 -4 in/in
= 24 in should exceed 40 times the pipe outside diameter to
RadiusOD
of curvature
Where of
prevent
ring
collapse.should exceed 40 times the pipe outside diameter to
Radius
curvature
ea = bending strain, in/in
prevent
ring collapse.
OD = outside diameter of pipe, in
r = 40 OD
R = minimum radius of curvature, ft
= 80
40 ft
OD
rr =
Okay.
R>r
Bending stress
r =strain
80 ft Okay.
R>r
Bending
ea = OD/2R

Sa = E12hrea

Bending
Sa = 61.68 psistrain
ea = 9.79 x 10-4 in/in
ea = OD/2R
wheree = OD/2R
ea = 9.79 x 10-4 in/in
a
Sa = bending stress, psi
Where:
ea = bending strain, in/in
Where:
ea ==bending
in/inof pipe, in
OD
outside strain,
diameter
Bending stress
Bending stress
421-461.indd 458
sa = E24hrea

OD
outside diameter
of pipe, in ft
R
==
minimum
radius of curvature,
R = minimum radius of curvature, ft
sa = 55.32 psi

1/16/09 10:15:11 AM

Chapter 12 459

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Find Pulling Force


Weight of Empty Pipe
Pw =3.61x10 -2 lbf/in3
ga = 0.95
gb = 1.5
wa = OD 2 (DR-1/DR 2)r w ga 12 in/ft
wa = 61.54 lbf/ft

Net Upward Buoyant Force on Empty Pipe Surrounded by Mud Slurry


Wb = (OD 2 /4) r w gb 12 in/ft - wa
wb = 232.41 lbf/ft

Where
rw = density of water, lb/in3
ga = specific gravity of the pipe material

gb = specific gravity of the mud slurry


wa = weight of empty pipe, Ibf/ft
wb = (OD2 /4)rwgb 12in/ft - wa
Determine pullback force acting on pipe
See figure:

L1 = 100 ft - va = 0.4
L2 = 401.07ft - vb = 0.25
L3 = 200ft - = gin - = 10 deg = 0.175 radians
L 4 = 267.38 - = gex - = 15 deg = 0.262 radians
L3 = Lcross- L 2 - L 4 - L 3 = 201.549ft
TA = exp(va ) [va wa (L1 + L 2 + L 3 + L 4)]
TA = 2.561 x 104 Ibf
TB = exp(vb ) (TA + vb [wb] L2 + wb H - va wa L 2 exp (vb ))
TB = 4.853 x 104 Ibf
TC =TB + vb [wb] L 3 - exp(vb ) (va wa L 3.exp(va ))
TC = 5.468 x 104 Ibf
TD = exp(vb ) [TC + vb [wb] L 4 - wb H - exp(vb ) (va wa L 4 exp (vb ))]
TD = 5.841 x 104 Ibf
Where
TA = pull force on pipe at point A, Ibf

TB = pull force on pipe at point B. Ibf


TC = pull force on pipe at point C, Ibf
TD = pull force on pipe at point D, Ibf
L1 = pipe on surface, ft
L2 = horizontal distance to achieve desired depth, ft
L3 = additional distance traversed at desired depth, ft

421-461.indd 459

1/16/09 10:15:11 AM

460

Chapter 12

Horizontal Directional Drilling

L 4 = horizontal
distance to traversed
rise to surface, ftat desired depth, ft
L3 = additional
distance
va = coefficient
of friction applicable
surface before
L4 = horizontal
distance
to riseattothesurface,
ftthe pipe enters bore hole
v
=
coefficient
of
friction
applicable
within
the
lubricated
bore hole orbefore
after the (wet)
exits
b
va = coefficient of friction applicable at the surface
thepipe
pipe

= bore hole angle at pipe entry, radians


enters bore hole
= bore holeof
angle at pipe exit, radians
vb = coefficient
friction applicable within the lubricated bore hole
(refer to figure at start of this appendix)
or after the (wet) pipe exits
= bore hole angle at pipe entry, radians
Hydrokinetic
= bore
hole angle Pressure
at pipe exit, radians

okinetic

P = 10 psi
Dh = 1.5 0D
(refer
to figure at
Dh = 36in
T = P (/8) (Dh2 - OD2)
Pressure
T = 2.82 x 103Ibf

start of this appendix)

P = 10 psi
Dh = 36in
Dh = 1.5 0D Where:
2 increment, Ibf
T
= 2pulling force
T = P (/8) (Dh - OD ) T = 2.82 x 103Ibf
P = hydrokinetic pressure, psi
e: T = pulling force
increment, Ibf
Dh = back reamed hole diameter, in
P = hydrokinetic pressure, psi
Dh = back reamed hole diameter, in

Compare Axial Tensile Stress with Allowable Tensile Stress During Pullback of 1,150 psi: (Assume the pull
takes several hours and use 12 hours safe pull stress.)

pare Axial Tensile


Stress
with
Allowable
Tensile
Stress
Average
Axial Stress
Acting
on Pipe Cross-section
at Points
A, B. C, DDuring Pullback of
s1 = 190.13 psi <1,150 psi OK
psi:
Average

s2 = 343.40 psi <1,150 psi OK


= 384.55 psi
<1,150 psi
Axials3Stress
Acting
onOKPipe
s4 = 409.48 psi <1,150 psi OK

s1 = (Ti + T)

Cross-section at Points A, B. C, D

1
DR 2
)
(
)
OD2 DR - 1

Where

, TB, TC, TD (Ibf)


sTi1==TA190.13
psi <1,100 psi OK
si = corresponding stress, psi
s2 = 343.40 psi <1,100 psi OK
sBreakaway
psi <1,100 psi OK
3 = 384.55
links should be set so that pullback force applied to pipe does not exceed 1,150 psi stress.
sID4==OD409.48
psi <1,100 psi OK
- 2t
Fb = s pb (/4)(OD 2 - ID 2)

x 10,5 Ibf
Where: Ti = TFb
A, =T1.64
B, T
C TD (Ibf)

si = corresponding
stress,
psi factor against ring collapse during pullback
Determine
safety
External Hydraulic Load
External
static head
Breakaway links
should
bepressure
set so that pullback force applied to pipe does
Pha = (1.5) (62.4 lbf/ft3) (H)
not exceed 1,100 psi stress.
Pha = 22.75 psi

ID = OD - 2t
Fb = spb (/4)(OD2 - ID2)

Fb = 1.64 x 105 Ibf

mine safety
factor against ring collapse during pullback
421-461.indd 460

1/27/09 12:50:17 PM

Chapter 12 461

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Combine static head with hydrokinetic pressure


Peffa = Pha + P
Peffa = 32.75 psi

Critical collapse pressure


Resistance to external hydraulic load during pullback
fo = 0.76 Ovality compensation factor (for 3% ovality)
r = S 4/2SPb
r = 0.178
Tensile ratio (based on 1,150 psi pull stress calculation)
Tensile reduction factor
PCR = 108 psi

Safety factor against collapse


SF = Pcr/Pha
F = 4.75

Where
Pha = applied effIective pressure due to head of water of drilling
Pcr = calculated critical buckling pressure found by solving Equation 11 multiplied by

Equation 19 for 24 DR11, psi
SF = Safety Factor

421-461.indd 461

1/16/09 10:15:12 AM

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