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HDD River Crossing at Jambatan Ayer Itam

Project Overview

Teraband Smart Solution was tasked with a critical infrastructure project at Jambatan Ayer Itam, Penang. The goal was to install 150 meters of HDPE pipe beneath a sandy riverbed for 132kV high-voltage power cables. This undertaking required precision engineering and an in-depth understanding of Malaysia’s geological landscape and trenchless technologies.

The installation featured a dual-bore setup using 200mm x 12 and 110mm x 6 PN10 HDPE pipe, sourced from a HDPE supplier in Malaysia. These pipes are known for their strength, flexibility, and long service life under demanding conditions, making them ideal for subterranean energy infrastructure.

Site Challenges

1. Sandy Riverbed Instability

Loose, fine sand in the riverbed made it difficult to maintain borehole integrity, increasing the likelihood of collapse or misalignment.

2. High Hydrostatic Pressure

With the bore path situated 21 metres below the surface, the project was subject to intense hydrostatic pressure. Specialized tools and techniques were required to manage the force and protect structural integrity.

3. Tracking Disruptions

Signal loss from shifting soils interfered with traditional tracking systems, complicating bore path management and increasing the risk of deviation.

Strategic Solutions

Advanced Machinery

Teraband deployed the OS35T drill rig and GL750 locator to provide high torque, thrust force, and real-time telemetry for accurate underground navigation. These machines played a crucial role in managing bore path precision.

Gyroscopic Mapping

To overcome signal issues, gyroscope-based navigation replaced conventional electromagnetic tracking. This system ensured consistent direction even in areas where other methods failed.

Mandrel testing was conducted before and after drilling to confirm path clearance and proper pipe alignment, avoiding any kinks or compression in the HDPE pipe.

Fluid Management

Bentonite-based drilling fluid was used to stabilize the borehole walls, especially in the sandy substrate. The fluid created a protective coating that minimized bore collapse and enabled smooth pipe pullback.

Outcome

The project was completed on time with:

  • No environmental disruption

     

  • No surface excavation required

     

  • No delays due to subsurface conditions

     

This successful river crossing is now seen as a benchmark for future directional drilling malaysia applications, especially in sensitive or challenging terrain.

Additional Projects by Teraband

HDD Applications

  • UGC Ampang 132kV (Kuala Lumpur)

In a bustling urban setting, Teraband executed a 2,360-meter trenchless installation for Tenaga Nasional Berhad. As a HDD TNB contractor Malaysia, Teraband demonstrated its ability to handle dense utility zones and high-voltage cable routes with precision and professionalism.

  • Celcom Micro-Duct Project (Perak)

In support of Celcom’s network expansion, Teraband installed over 5,100 meters of micro-duct lines. The operation utilized trenchless techniques to navigate beneath roadways, minimizing disruption and ensuring optimal placement for fiber-optic cabling.

Open-Cut Services

  • Rural Water Supply (Johor)

In a cost-conscious initiative, Teraband’s open-cut team laid pipelines in open terrain with minimal overhead. This method provided a straightforward, reliable, and affordable solution in a region without dense infrastructure.

  • Suburban Utility Upgrade (Negeri Sembilan)

This project involved trenching for both water and telecommunication lines. Thanks to its experienced opencut contractor malaysia team, Teraband ensured minimal surface damage and fast project delivery.

Choosing HDD vs. Open-Cut

When to Use HDD

  • Densely populated areas or urban roads
  • Protected environmental zones
  • Projects requiring minimal surface impact and long-lasting materials such as HDPE pipe

It’s best to partner with a licensed HDD contractor Malaysia to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

When to Use Open-Cut

  • Rural or low-traffic areas
  • Shallow installations with fewer underground obstructions
  • Projects constrained by budget but not timeline

Experienced opencut contractor malaysia crews can deliver dependable results using traditional trenching.

Quality Focus: HDPE Pipe and Supplier Reliability

A cornerstone of Teraband’s work is its reliance on certified products from a leading HDPE supplier in Malaysia. The selected HDPE pipe complies with international durability and safety standards, including resistance to pressure fluctuations, UV exposure, and soil movements.

Pipes used in the Ayer Itam project were carefully tested for:

  • Diameter consistency

     

  • PN10-rated pressure resistance

     

  • Stress-cracking prevention

     

This emphasis on quality control, both during procurement and post-installation, has earned Teraband a strong reputation in infrastructure circles.

Compliance and Environmental Care

All trenchless and open-cut operations are carried out under strict compliance with Malaysian environmental and utility regulations. Teraband’s Environmental Health & Safety unit prepares project-specific impact assessments, ensuring safe practices and minimal ecological footprint.

Tech-Driven Execution

Innovation drives Teraband’s operations. From 3D bore path modeling to real-time project monitoring, their team leverages cutting-edge tools to predict challenges and minimize risks. Ongoing training and vendor certification also ensure field teams remain skilled in both directional drilling malaysia and traditional methods.

Conclusion

Whether navigating sandy riverbeds in Penang or laying rural pipelines in Johor, Teraband has proven expertise in trenchless and excavation solutions. The successful deployment of HDPE pipe through advanced methods, backed by reliable partnerships with a HDPE supplier in Malaysia, reinforces Teraband’s role as a trusted provider of infrastructure services.

From certified HDD contractor Malaysia teams to skilled opencut contractor malaysia crews, Teraband delivers performance, safety, and long-term value across Malaysia’s utility and communications landscape.