Sierra takes another step forward

Sierra Global Network Private Limited, leading firm in the telecommunication infrastructure development sector, has taken another step forward by starting to implement fibre optic cable projects, using the Horizontal Directional Drilling, commonly known as HDD technology.

Standing near a HDD machine, Dr. Arosha Fernando, Director / CEO of Sierra Global is seen discussing the benefits of HDD technology with senior representatives of Bharti Airtel and Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) during a demonstration held in Maligawatte

HDD is allowing construction companies to install underground telecommunication network infrastructures, minimising or eliminating the need for excavation. In most developed countries this trenchless technique has been used to install underground ducts along the roads, as an alternative to traditional digging techniques. Long installation lengths can be achieved (even up to several kms) by dividing the work length into shorter sections (100m - 200m as an average). The length of each section will depend on the characteristics of the machines and the design requirements.
“After a series of successful demonstrations, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and Road Development Authority (RDA) as well as number of telecommunication operators have approved and appreciated the usage of HDD technology considering its direct benefits. HDD technology certainly will reduce environmental damage and social costs, and at the same time, provide an economic alternative to the traditional open-trench methods of installation of fibre optic cable. At early days, rivers and railway crossings were the first applications of this HDD technology, due to the fact that traditional digging techniques were not suitable. However, in developed countries this new technology is now being used today, and in some countries it is compulsory to use only this technology in any of the fibre optic cable project” said Dr. Arosha Fernando, Director / CEO of Sierra Global.

Diagram illustrates using of the HDD machine underground, without damaging existing services and roads

He further added “This is minimising up to 95% damages to the roads, since construction will be underground in majority of the constructions, which is a great benefit especially for countries like Sri Lanka”.
Sierra has been involved in construction of underground telecommunication network infrastructures for the past 28 years, and has always been maintaining the leading market share in this segment. Sierra has obtained the expertise training of HDD by sending its senior engineering staff to Canada, where the both theoretical and practical aspects of HDD were ascertained. In the past, Sierra has successfully used the HDD technology to implement telecommunication fibre optic cable projects in a number of overseas countries including India and Australia.