HDD
A holistic approach to HDD project management Maxibor Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rodney O’Meley spoke to Trenchless Australasia on minimising risk and optimising outcomes for stakeholders in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects. in these critical phases allows for real-time assessment of risks and the implementation of mitigation measures. Cost management – Recognising that pipeline installation accounts for a significant portion of HDD project costs (circa 65 per cent), O’Meley’s experience and decision-making can lead to more productive operations, reducing labour and equipment expenses. Operational expertise – The operational management team complements O’Meley’s ownership. Their specialised expertise in areas such as design, estimating, project management, commercials and HSEQ ensures the day-to-day efficiency and safety of HDD projects. Maxibor applies this approach to the extreme inherent risk areas of geotech investigation, installation – pilot hole, and installation – pipe pull.
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ith over 40 years of experience under his belt, O’Meley combines his hands-on ownership with an experienced operational management team. The Maxibor operational management team also has a wealth of experience in the design and delivery of HDD projects spanning several decades. HDD risks The inherent risk of an HDD project is largely concentrated at the geotech, design and pipeline installation stages of the project. Inherent risk is the level of risk when no action has been taken to mitigate or reduce the risk. It is the risk before any treatments or controls are put in place to mitigate the risk. Residual risk is the level of risk that remains after controls have been put in place. Developing mitigation actions to respond to those activities with higher inherent risk will substantially benefit from the involvement of people with wide experience in solving a variety of HDD project challenges. Maxibor Australia’s perspective on the management of HDD risks involves multiple stages. Ownership commitment – O’Meley’s direct involvement as both CEO and owner demonstrates a high level of commitment and passion for the HDD business. This 42 TRENCHLESS AUSTRALASIA DECEMBER 2023
A generic assessment of the inherent risk around key HDD project activities.
personal and financial stake in the company drives a strong commitment to its growth and success, winning the confidence in all project stakeholders. . Risk mitigation – The inherent risk in HDD projects, especially during geotechnical investigation, pilot hole, and pipe pull stages, is well-recognised. O’Meley’s involvement Maxibor Owner and CEO Rodney O’Meley.
Geotech Investigation Geotechnical investigation is a critical phase in HDD projects, as it lays the foundation for informed decision-making and risk management. Here’s how Maxibor manages this phase effectively: Identifying hazards – The geotechnical investigation is essential for identifying conceivable ground-related hazards. This