We pride ourselves on our ability to tackle the toughest challenges in underground boring, and our collaboration with Northbrook Contracting is a testament to that commitment. Recently, Northbrook was awarded the Rumbrook-Knollwood Interconnection Water Transmission Main project, which required crossing the Sprain Brook Parkway—a task fraught with potential complications.

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The Challenge at Hand

The project specifications outlined by Arcadis Engineering called for the installation of a 200-foot, 48-inch steel casing sleeve to accommodate a 24-inch water main carrier. However, the bore site presented a host of challenges. Located in a fill zone, the area was characterized by unpredictable topography, and geotechnical reports indicated the presence of boulders and cobbles along the bore path. With only two borings taken—one at the entry pit and the other at the exit pit—much of the ground conditions remained a mystery.​

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Leveraging Expertise to Avoid Setbacks

Understanding the risks associated with traditional auger boring methods, Northbrook sought a more efficient solution. Encountering boulders and cobbles could have stalled progress, requiring change orders and potentially resorting to hand tunneling—a method that typically yields only 3 to 5 feet of advancement per shift. Such delays would not only inflate the project budget but also jeopardize the completion timeline.

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This is where Boretech Inc. came into play. Our specialized Down The Hole (DTH) Hammer system, developed in collaboration with Northbrook back in 1995, proved to be the perfect solution. During a previous project, our innovative DTH Hammer had successfully addressed similar challenges, allowing for efficient drilling through mixed ground formations.

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A Proven Partnership

When Northbrook faced the daunting task of crossing the Sprain Brook Parkway, they knew exactly who to call. Our history together speaks volumes; in 1995, when Northbrook's subcontractors struggled with trenchless highway crossings, it was our DTH Hammer that turned a potential disaster into a swift success.

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With our expertise and advanced technology, we were able to provide Northbrook with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the project, ensuring that they could meet both their budget and timeline without compromising quality.

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We Don't Just Create Tools—We Create Solutions.

At Boretech Inc., we don’t just create tools—we create solutions that empower our partners to overcome their toughest challenges. If you’re looking for a collaborator who understands the intricacies of underground boring and is ready to innovate alongside you, let’s connect. Together, we can turn obstacles into opportunities.