A SECTOR PUSHING INEFFICIENCY DOWN

Technology is making drilling and foundations equipment more sustainable and easier to operate than ever before. Andy Brown drills down into the details

Bauer equipment is working on the Grand Paris Express in France

PHOTO: BAUER

The demand placed on drilling and foundation equipment is both specific and similar compared to other construction equipment.

Specific, because of the task – drilling into the ground is far removed from earthmoving – but it is even more specific when you consider the many factors and variables that affect the work. For instance, a wide variance in ground types effects the ground stability and thus the work, and there’s alsways the chance of coming across unexpected geological anomalies like hard rock layers, voids, or even groundwater that can disrupt operations and also damage equipment.

The challenges this sector has in common with others in construction are dealing with different regulations, increased sustainability pressures, finding the skilled labour to operate the equipment and incorporating increased technological advances.

The sector is seeing growth as both the global demand for infrastructure and the need for modernisation of infrastructure expands – both require drilling and foundation equipment for tasks such as deep excavations, pile driving, foundation repairs and more.

Drilling and foundations equipment are playing a key role on the Grand Paris Express project

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Demand for new equipment

Another growth driver has been countries around the world recognising the need for drilling and foundations work to be carried out in a more sustainable and advanced way, pushing the take up of new equipment. This view is supported by a report from Business Research Insights that estimates that the global drilling and foundation equipment market had a value of US$4.5 billion in 2023 and will reach $ 7.5 billion by 2032.

Vermeer’s D24’s has an Automated Rod Exchange (ARE) system

PHOTO: VERMEER

A leading player in this segment is Swedishbased Epiroc, and the OEM has recently launched its updated PowerROC T35. Speaking to International Construction, Masanori Kogushi, senior product manager at Epiroc, said that the new model satisfies the increasing demand of customers for lower running costs, increased fuel efficiency, and ease of operation.

“There is up to 40% lower fuel consumption due to auto engine speed control by load sensing and a fuel economy mode [enabled] by selecting engine maximum speed for drilling. For easy and intuitive operation, two electric one-touch lever controls make rod changing and drilling much easier and quicker,” he says. “A 12-inch touchscreen-and-button display for monitoring system clearly presents operational status such as troubleshooting, maintenance requirements, rig inclination and drilling parameters. Better total cost of ownership is achieved through a lower maintenance cost, 50% reduced hydraulic oil volume and two times longer service interval.” When it comes to sustainability he says, “Yes, lower fuel consumption is requested, and part of the targets for our customers.”

Tommi Lehtonen, Group CEO at Junttan, agrees that sustainability is ever-important. The CEO of the company, which has recently launched a new DR5 drilling rig – more on that later – says, “Sustainability is important to everybody. We have focused on optimal energy efficiency i.e. low fuel consumption and minimising material consumption. DR5 is 20 tons lighter than our previous similar model and most of the competition and therefore we save 20 tons of steel which has big impact on the CO2 emissions. The DR5 platform is also designed to support battery-electric powerline to enable locally CO2 - free version in the future.”

Technology to the fore

Technology goes hand in hand with sustainability as it leads to increased efficiency, and the more efficient a project, the more sustainable it is. Technology giant Trimble recently announced the availability of a Trimble Ready factory option for new Mincon piling and drilling attachments.

This means Mincon Drill Mast Attachments for skid steers and excavators now have an option for the installation of the Trimble Groundworks Machine Control System, which can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of the installation for the contractor.

CRCHI is one of the world's leading TBM manufacturers

IMAGE: CRCHI

CHINA’S LARGEST OPEN-TYPE ROCK TBM

An open-type rock Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) with an excavation diameter of 11.93m, the largest of its kind in China, has been completed by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited (CRCHI).

The TBM will be used in the middle line of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project to divert the Yangtze River to supplement the Han River in China.

It is also the excavation machine for the largest section and the longest soft rock deformation section of the project, which diverts the Yangtze River to supplement the Han River.

The TBM is named Jianghan Neolithic; it is 175m long, has a total weight of 3,000 tons, a designed minimum radius of 800m and adapts to a maximum slope of 10%, according to the CRCHI.

With the immersive intelligent excavation system, it has the functions of real-time visualisation of the geology in front of the TBM, precise autonomous control of excavation routes, automatic posture correction and automatic excavation step change.

This TBM will be applied in construction of the 3rd Section traffic tunnel and main tunnel of the Project, with a total excavation distance of 16.35km.

The geological conditions of Diverting the Yangtze River to supplement the Han River Project are said to be complex.

Consequently, the TBM construction is faced with multiple construction challenges such as strong rock bursts, mud inrush, large fractures, soft rock deformation, toxic and harmful gases.

Therefore, this project is considered as the longest single hole, the largest tunnel diameter, and the highest comprehensive difficulty in China’s long-distance water diversion project under pressure.

Epiroc has launched its updated PowerROC T35

IMAGE: EPIROC

The self-contained attachment is designed so that it can be connected to the stick of a variety of excavators. Operators have the option of renting a machine near a project site and having the attachment shipped separately, which helps reduce the cost.

When it comes to efficiency savings, Jonathan White, product manager, Civil Construction Field Solutions, reveals, “Our customers have reported up to 75% labour savings compared to traditional methods. Additionally, customers have experienced up to 95% post accuracy, and 2% less misalignment of hammered piles.” When it comes to technology, White adds that, “Market acceptance is increasing and we expect that to continue as the return on investment is now well documented.”

Another form of technology being used in this sector is how the equipment is powered. Liebherr’s new carrier machine for slurry wall construction, the LBX 600, is available in both conventional and battery-powered versions, the LBX 600 unplugged.

Both versions are said to have identical performance data, but the unplugged version is zero emissions and is extremely quiet. The LBX 600 can be fitted with mechanical or hydraulic grabs. The modular boom system allows for three different versions of the machine and a high degree of flexibility. The standard version of the machine has a total height of 17.8m.

Grand projects

Drilling and foundations equipment are being used on projects big and small across the world, with one of the biggest projects the Grand Paris Express in France. Part of this project is Line 15 of the Paris metro, which is 75km in length and currently under construction – when complete, it will serve 36 stations.

Up to 80m deep diaphragm walls are needed for the construction of the future metro stations, the ventilation system, for emergency exits, and as starting and finishing shafts for the tunnel boring machine. All this is happening in the middle of one of the most vibrant metropolises in Europe.

Since December 2024, the company Botte Fondations has been using a Bauer cutter system on the project that has never been seen before: the BCS 185 power pack. The basis is the Bauer Cutter System BCS 185, which has been specially optimised for cutting up to 90m below ground level. The twistable hose drum system allows the cutter to be twisted continuously within a range of -50 to +95 degrees to its normal position, enabling it to reach any corner in the excavation pit.

A diesel or electric generator can be used for operation. This allows the system to be optimally adapted to different project conditions. Using the electric generator significantly reduces the noise level, enabling work to be carried out even in noise-sensitive areas.

The JT21 is an upgraded replacement for the JT20

IMAGE: DITCH WITCH

NEW DITCH WITCH JT21 DRILL

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) contractors working on fibre and other underground utility jobs have a new option, with the launch of the new JT21 directional drill from Ditch Witch. An upgraded replacement for the JT20, the JT21 is said to deliver up to 40% more downhole horsepower than its predecessor and 35% faster carriage speed than any drill in its class.

The JT21 features 21,000lbs of pullback, 20,000lbs of thrust and 2,250 ft-lbs. of torque, allowing crews to complete installations at a faster pace in a variety of soil conditions. The company adds that a new design and lower center of gravity increases stability.

“Any operator who puts the JT21 drill to work will quickly see why it’s the most powerful drill in its class,” said Britton Yunker, HDD product manager for Ditch Witch.

The LBX 600 comes In conventional and battery-powered versions

IMAGE: LIEBHERR

Another interesting product is Vermeer’s 110kN D24 horizontal directional drill that is powered by a100-hp (74.6-kW) Cat 3.6L Tier 4F/Stage V engine. This size drill is one of the most popular machines for installing fibre worldwide and is designed to meet the needs of contractors working in countries that require Tier 4F/Stage V engines.

According to Clint Recker, product manager for utility HDD equipment at Vermeer, the D24’s Automated Rod Exchange (ARE) system means that a single button push completes the entire rod changeout sequence and eliminates up to 19 manual steps, streamlining operations. The machine features an onboard diagnostic system, accessible via the touchscreen display, providing information about any issues and step-by-step troubleshooting guidance. This brings capabilities previously only available for dealer technicians to operators in the field. Recker says that this will save contractors’ time and money. “The onboard diagnostic system is about efficient troubleshooting. Currently, if an issue arises with our S3 equipment, a dealer technician must visit the site with a laptop to plug in the service tool and diagnose the problem. With our next-generation platform, the diagnostic tool is integrated into the machine’s touchscreen,” he comments. When asked if sustainability is increasingly important to customers, Recker’s answer is unambiguous.

The new Junttan DR5 is said to be more efficient and easier to transport

iMAGE: JUNTTAN

“Yes, many of our customers are focused on sustainability, which has always been a key consideration in our equipment development. What constitutes sustainability varies by region, often influenced by local laws and regulations,” he says.

Trimble has teamed up with Mincon

PHOTO: TRIMBLE

“Our team works to make our equipment meet these requirements, from engine emissions to operating sound levels. We also manufacture specialised HDD fluid reclaiming systems to reduce the amount of freshwater needed for drilling fluid on HDD projects.”

Small part, big impact

Compressors are crucial when it comes to drilling – depending on the depth, soil, and other conditions, different power is required and thus different air requirements.

Atlas Copco says that its new X-Air + 120040 mobile compressor sets new standards in deep drilling applications, by finishing the job at least 10% quicker and by being more fuel efficient.

The X-Air + 1200-40 surpasses Atlas Copco’s previous flagship drilling compressor, the Y35. According to the company, the model has 15% more pressure and a 20% increase in drilling speed compared to the Y35. It features a new high-pressure element – to withstand even the toughest of operational conditions – and is protected by patented software.

As mentioned earlier, Junttan has launched the new Evolution series, starting with the DR5 drilling rig. This new series is said to represent the most significant investment in Junttan’s history.

The DR5 drilling rig has technology designed for both FDP (Full Displacement Piling) and CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) applications. “The Evolution series has been designed with a strong focus on customer needs, ensuring that its advanced technology and innovative features directly address the challenges our clients face,” said Tommi Lehtonen, Group CEO at Junttan.

Technology is increasingly being integrated into this equipment segment. Trimble’s White says that its Groundworks Machine Control System that works with Mincon piling and drilling attachments are being used frequently in solar farm construction, although he makes the point that, “increased efficiencies are experienced across drilling projects as well.” Epiroc’s Kogushi expands on this idea of technology leading to increased efficiencies, saying that, with an assisted control feature, “This is an enabler for all to become a skilled operator.” Technology to help upskill operators will lead to this sector digging deeper still for increased productivity. iC