Limited Access & Structural Reinforcement Drilling Project
Phase 1: Limited Access Caisson Installation
This project consisted of drilling a single 51-foot foundation hole at a commercial site in North Hollywood. After completing a job walk it was determined the site conditions were open and flat enough to efficiently utilize the LLT drill truck.
A client contacted our team to perform a job walk for the installation of (2) 18” diameter x 14’6” deep caissons. During the site visit, it was confirmed that the location presented significant access limitations, making it impossible to mobilize a traditional drill rig.
Thanks to the versatility of Howell Drilling’s fleet, we deployed one of our specialized limited access drill rigs. The equipment was carefully and manually maneuvered through a narrow site gate and positioned to safely and efficiently perform the required drilling.
Despite the restricted conditions, our team successfully completed both caissons on schedule, providing the client with a seamless solution where conventional equipment would not have been feasible.
Phase 2: Retaining Wall Reinforcement Under Extreme Access Constraints
Eight months later, the same client reached out for another job walk at the project site. Since our previous work, issues had developed with an existing retaining wall that had become unstable and required structural reinforcement.
Upon evaluation, it was determined that there was no direct access to the retaining wall location. To execute the work, our drill rig had to be craned into the site and positioned along the edge of a 15-foot-tall shored wall to safely drill (3) 24” diameter x 20’ deep holes on the back side of the structure.
This phase demanded extensive coordination, precision, and manual labor:
- Over 100 feet of hose was run from the New Holland to the drill rig
- All tools and materials were manually transported down stairways
- The rig was carefully stabilized along the shored wall edge to ensure safe operation
Even with extreme logistical and access challenges, our team successfully completed the drilling operations. The project reinforced the retaining wall system and restored structural integrity to the site.
Delivering Solutions Where Others Can’t
This project exemplifies our ability to adapt to complex site constraints, engineer creative access solutions, and execute drilling operations safely and efficiently under demanding conditions.
At Howell Drilling, we take pride in delivering results that not only meet project specifications but also provide our clients with confidence in the long-term safety and stability of their job sites.