APK Drilling drills 265 metres under the Scheldt

APK Drilling drills 265 metres under the Scheldt for APk Group's fibres department on behalf of client and fibres specialist Fiberklaar. Together with Verfaillie-Leroy, this project is the ultimate example of APK Group synergy.

APK Drilling drills fibre passage under the Scheldt

Wednesday 24 August at 1pm was the day. APK Drilling placed their drill in the ground to carry out a trenchless bore, no less than 265 metres long, under the Scheldt river. The drilling in Wetteren was carried out for APK Group's fibre division on behalf of fibre specialist Fiberklaar.

A complex parabolic bore

This trenchless drilling is a unique project because of its shape. For example, the drilling contains no fewer than two S-bends and sinks to a depth of more than 20 metres. The result of these bends and twists is that it is a parabolic drilling, which brings extra complexity. According to Krystian Chelminski, site manager at APK Drilling, the entire project would take about a week.

The choice of trenchless drilling is necessary for the connection of the fibre network to the fibre backbone and the POP. "Wetteren has four different POP zones. To go from zone one to zone two, we will drill under the Scheldt. Moreover, the two streets do not connect well, which means that an S-curve will have to be made", says Joost Van Hemelryck, Business Unit Manager of APK Infra West.

Drillguide by Brownline is used to ensure that the bore arrives at the correct position. This company provides a high-tech steering tool to follow the proposed trajectory. Adjusting the drilling can be done in a jiffy using this software.

Why trenchless drilling

Less disruption is central to the strategy and operation of APK Group. Whether it involves the construction of new pipeline networks or internet connections. In every project, APK Group endeavours to keep disruption to public roads to a minimum. The choice of a trenchless bore through the Wetteren sub-base of the Fibre network makes this possible. "In addition, good cooperation with the city, with Fiberklaar and a punishment team also contribute to the realisation of our lesser nuisance principle."said Joost Van Hemelryck.

About APK Group and APK Drilling

APK Group is the catalyst of the future. We are a leading growth company in the world of smart and sustainable infrastructure for the cities of tomorrow. We have been doing so since 1960. APK Drilling is also an expert in the field of horizontal drilling and the reference in Belgium. We are also active in the Netherlands and Germany. As a subcontractor, APK Drilling carries out horizontal drilling between 15 and 600 metres and also carries out complete projects for its clients. This makes it easy to bridge traffic intersections, waterways and railways.

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