Directional drilling projects need specialist equipment, experienced crews and careful planning. They also need a practical way for vehicles, plant and people to reach and work within the drilling area.
This can become a challenge when operations take place on grass or other surfaces that could be damaged by repeated movement. Without suitable ground protection, access may become less reliable as work progresses, while the risk of rutting and surface damage increases.
A planned ground protection layout helps create a more controlled route and working area. It supports the crew while helping protect the ground beneath.
Why ground protection matters for directional drilling
Site access should be considered alongside the drilling operation itself. The equipment may be suitable for the job, but the project still depends on being able to move it into position and maintain an effective work area.
Ground protection can help project teams:
- create defined access routes across grass or vulnerable surfaces
- provide a firmer area for drilling crews and equipment
- support more controlled movement around the site
- reduce direct traffic over the underlying ground
- limit avoidable surface damage and subsequent reinstatement work
- keep access arrangements consistent throughout the project
Ground protection is only one part of site planning. Traffic management, risk assessments and appropriate site controls must still be considered separately.
300 XtremeMats installed in Bridgnorth
A directional drilling project in Bridgnorth required access and a working area over a grassed surface.
To support the works, 300 XtremeMats were installed. The matting protected the grass from direct movement while giving the drilling crew a firm, defined area from which to operate.
This was a simple but important part of the site setup. By planning the ground protection before work took place, the project team had a practical access arrangement suited to the location and the work being carried out.
The installation also demonstrates that ground protection is not limited to creating a route from one point to another. It can be used to form working areas where crews, vehicles and equipment need to operate repeatedly.
Plan the access route and working area together
It is easy to focus on the route into a site while overlooking the space needed around the drilling operation.
A complete layout may need to consider:
- the site entrance and access route
- turning and manoeuvring areas
- equipment unloading or staging points
- the drilling work area
- repeated traffic between different parts of the site
- how the matting will be installed and recovered
Considering these requirements together helps avoid gaps where vehicles or equipment are forced to leave the protected area.
Match the solution to the site
Ground protection mats spread loads across the surface beneath them. They are not structural bridging systems, and their suitability depends on the project conditions.
Before selecting a system, consider:
- the condition and strength of the underlying ground
- whether the surface is grass, soil, mud or another material
- the vehicles, plant and equipment that will use the area
- vehicle weights, axle loads and tyre pressures
- the frequency and direction of movement
- turning forces and repeated passes
- the required route width and working-area dimensions
- the expected project duration
- installation and recovery requirements
These details help determine the appropriate product, quantity and layout. A solution that works well for one directional drilling site may not be suitable for another without further assessment.
Protecting the surface without complicating the job
Effective temporary access does not need to make site operations more complicated. The aim is to give the team a clear and practical area in which to work while reducing unnecessary pressure on the surface below.
A defined ground protection layout can help keep movements within the planned area and reduce ad hoc traffic across grass or soft ground. It also gives site teams a clearer basis for managing access throughout the works.
For the Bridgnorth project, the installation of 300 XtremeMats addressed both requirements: protecting the grassed surface and creating a firm area for the directional drilling crew.
Key points for directional drilling projects
Ground protection should be included early in the access plan, particularly where drilling works will take place on grass or vulnerable ground.
The main points to remember are:
- plan for the working area as well as the access route
- base product selection on actual ground and traffic conditions
- keep vehicles and equipment within the protected layout
- consider installation and recovery from the start
- choose between hire and purchase based on the wider programme of work
A well-planned setup can support efficient site operations while helping reduce damage to the ground beneath.
Discuss your site access requirements
For advice on temporary access and working areas for directional drilling or other utilities and infrastructure projects, talk to a GroundGuards expert. The team can help assess the ground conditions, traffic requirements and layout before recommending a suitable approach.
