The planned underground route a drill bit follows during horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Subcontractors use bore path data to plan equipment placement, crew positioning, and utility clearances. Deviations from the bore path can trigger rework costs and schedule delays.
Bore Path
Related Terms
Compression
IndustryThe mechanical process of increasing natural gas pressure for pipeline transport or storage. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised to install, maintain, or repair compressor units and associated equipment. Compression work is common in gas processing facilities, wellsites, and midstream pipeline operations.
Coal Bed Methane
IndustryCBM (Coal Bed Methane) is natural gas extracted from coal seams rather than conventional reservoirs. Field crews typically handle dewatering operations, pipeline tie-ins, and wellsite maintenance on CBM projects. Work is often spread across large numbers of shallow, closely spaced wells requiring frequent travel between sites.
Mine Reclamation
IndustryThe regulated process of restoring a mine site to an environmentally acceptable condition after operations cease. For subcontractors, it generates specialised scopes including grading, revegetation, and water treatment work. Reclamation projects often extend years beyond mine closure, providing longer-term contract opportunities.
Walkover System
IndustryA above-ground tracking system used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to monitor and guide a drill head's position underground. A handheld receiver walks the surface above the drill path, reading signals from a transmitter in the drill head. Subcontractors use this data to steer accurately and document bore paths for client sign-off.
Easement
IndustryA legal right allowing access to land owned by someone else for a specific purpose, such as running pipelines or power lines. Subcontractors must confirm easement boundaries before mobilising equipment or breaking ground. Working outside easement limits can trigger legal liability and project shutdowns.
Preconstruction
IndustryThe planning phase before field work begins, covering scope review, site assessments, and schedule alignment with the GC. Subcontractors are often engaged during this phase to provide pricing, labour forecasts, and constructability input. Early involvement can improve mobilisation timelines and reduce costly scope changes later.
Latest Industry News
Bridger Pipeline Wins Presidential Permit for $2 Billion, 500,000 bbl/d Canada-US Crude Line
President Trump has granted Bridger Pipeline LLC a presidential permit to build a 647-mile crude oil pipeline from Canada through Montana to Wyoming, though federal and state approvals are still required before construction can begin.
20 hours ago IndustryCanada's First SMR Basemat Installed at Darlington in Historic Nuclear Construction Milestone
A 2.1-million-pound basemat module has been installed at Ontario's Darlington site, marking the first new nuclear reactor foundation poured in Ontario in over 30 years and signaling that SMR construction is firmly underway.
20 hours ago IndustryMinnesota Contractors Ordered to Pay Record $1.28M in Wage Violations
Minnesota reached its largest-ever wage and hour settlement after investigators found 26 construction workers were shorted overtime and other pay across 19 Twin Cities projects. Subcontractors should review certified payroll practices now.
20 hours ago IndustryWhy Permian Producers Won't Rush to Drill Despite $100 Oil
Gas takeaway constraints, a backwardated forward curve, and entrenched capital discipline are keeping Permian producers from ramping up drilling — even with crude prices near triple digits.
20 hours agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideHow Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It
Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews