CASE STUDY

HDD MATERIAL

Germany

Sector: Telecoms

Region: EUROPE

Year:    2025

Scope

This case study showcases the use of Radius HDD microduct products in Rottenburg an der Laaber, Germany. HDD (horizontal directional drilling) technology is one of the many trenchless installation methods used to avoid the need for traditional excavations. The increased robustness of the products designed for this purpose are subsequently suitable for most trenchless installation methods, like in this example mole ploughing. This approach proved efficient and cost effective, particularly in a complex installation environment. Compared to traditional open trench installation it reduced physical strain on civil engineers and minimized staffing requirements allowing broader project oversight.

Location

Rottenburg an der Laaber

Germany

 

Project Requirements

  • Cost-effective installation of a pipe and duct system across multiple sites
  • Reduced physical workload for civil engineers
  • Fewer personnel required, enabling supervision of multiple sites

Products We Supplied

  • 7wayx14/10 mm HDD Miniglide® assembly

 

Project Solution

Traditional duct installation involves trench excavation, sand bedding, duct laying and backfilling – steps that are time and resource intensive. The mole ploughing solution simplifies this by using HDD microducts with a robust additional outer sheath and a plough that opens the ground, installs the duct and closes the ground back up behind it all in one motion, leaving minimal surface disruption. This method significantly increases installation speed, cuts material and labour costs while also reducing the environmental impact.

What are HDD Cable Ducts?

HDD microducts are designed primarily for being pulled directly into the ground by horizontal directional drilling, for this they have higher tensile strength, increased abrasion resistance and a heavy duty outer sheath. These specifications also make them suitable for other trenchless methods and even direct burial in rough ground conditions.

diggers installing pipework at the side of the runway at cork airport in ireland

Project Results

The project took place in April 2025, the team were able to lay up to 2.5km of duct a day. This is particularly significant as the ground was also immediately restored, leaving no visible cues that any disturbance had taken place. No earth removal was necessary underscoring the efficiency and sustainability of the mole ploughing approach.

Contact our Team to Find Out More

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