Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-21 Origin: Site
In the grand narrative of modern highway and railway construction, the rotary drilling rig undoubtedly plays an indispensable role as a key player. As critical areas of national infrastructure development, the quality and efficiency of highway and railway construction directly impact regional connectivity, economic prosperity, and the convenience of people's travel. With its powerful drilling capabilities and high operational efficiency, the rotary drilling rig has become an irreplaceable and important piece of equipment in pile foundation construction, laying a solid foundation for the stable construction of highways and railways.
In highway construction, from winding mountain roads to broad and smooth expressways, the rotary drilling rig plays a crucial role. It can perform drilling operations in various complex terrains and geological conditions, providing precise and efficient support for the pile foundation construction of bridges, culverts, and other structures. In the field of railway construction, especially in high-speed rail projects, the requirements for track flatness and stability are extremely high. The high-quality pile foundations created by rotary drilling rigs act as solid cornerstones, ensuring the stable laying of railway tracks and providing reliable guarantees for the high-speed and safe operation of trains.
However, in actual construction, the operation of rotary drilling rigs faces numerous challenges, with safety accidents occurring from time to time, and operational efficiency still needing improvement. Safety accidents not only cause casualties and property losses but also delay project schedules and increase construction costs; low operational efficiency leads to extended construction periods, which also results in economic losses. Therefore, how to achieve a dual improvement in the safety and efficiency of rotary drilling rig operations has become an urgent issue to be addressed in highway and railway construction. This not only affects the smooth progress of the project but also relates to the overall quality and sustainable development of infrastructure construction.
The rotary drilling rig, as a highly specialized equipment for pile foundation construction, holds a significant position in the fields of road and railway construction due to its unique working principle and powerful functional characteristics. It drives the drill pipe and drill bit to rotate through the power head, uses the cutting edge of
the drill bit to break the rock and soil, and discharges the drill debris through the inner cavity of the drill pipe or other methods to achieve efficient and precise drilling operations.
In road construction, whether it is the complex terrain of mountainous roads or the large-scale construction of expressways in plain areas, the rotary drilling rig plays a crucial role. Take mountainous roads as an example. The terrain is highly undulating and the geological conditions are complex, often encountering hard rock layers, unstable sandy and clayey soils, etc. The rotary drilling rig, with its powerful torque and flexible operation performance, can successfully drill holes in these complex geological conditions, providing a solid guarantee for the pile foundation construction of bridges and culverts. In the construction of expressways in plain areas, the requirements for construction efficiency and quality are extremely high. The efficient drilling capability of the rotary drilling rig can significantly shorten the construction period, while its precise positioning and verticality control functions ensure the quality of the pile foundation, laying the foundation for the long-term stable operation of the expressway.
In railway construction, especially in high-speed rail projects, the role of the rotary drilling rig is indispensable. High-speed rail tracks need to have extremely high flatness and stability to ensure the safe and high-speed operation of the trains, which imposes nearly demanding requirements on the construction accuracy and quality of the pile foundation. The rotary drilling rig, with its advanced automated control system and high-precision measuring instruments, can precisely control the position, depth, and verticality of the drilling, ensuring that each pile can be accurately and correctly constructed. In the construction of some large railway bridges, such as those spanning rivers and valleys, the depth and diameter of the pile foundation often require very large values. The rotary drilling rig, with its powerful drilling capacity and stable working performance, can successfully complete these arduous construction tasks. For example, in the construction of the Yichang Yangtze River Highway-Railway Bridge, Shenhua Intelligent's SWDM600 rotary drilling rig has shone brightly. With a maximum drilling diameter of 3.5m and a maximum drilling depth of 145m, it is equipped with a large-power engine, a large-displacement main pump, and three-motor power heads, possessing an extremely strong rock-breaking ability. At the same time, it pioneered the technology of enhanced braking force of the large inertia rotating platform, successfully meeting the requirements of ultra-deep and ultra-large pile foundation construction, and making significant contributions to the construction of this world-class bridge.
(1) Personnel Qualifications and Training
Operating a rotary drilling rig is a highly specialized task. Operators must hold valid certificates to work, which is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring safety and efficiency during operations. Relevant regulations clearly state that rotary drilling rig drivers must undergo professional training and pass strict examinations to obtain special equipment operation certificates. They must possess solid technical knowledge, proficient operational skills, and a strong sense of safety in order to be deemed qualified for operation.
Professional training is of utmost importance for operators. The training covers various aspects such as the structure, performance, operation methods, and safety regulations of the rotary drilling rig. Through systematic learning, operators can gain a deep understanding of the working principles of the equipment, familiarize themselves with the functions of various control buttons and operation levers, and thus be able to operate precisely and proficiently in actual situations. For example, in the rotary drilling rig operation training organized by Shenhua Intelligent Equipment, not only professional lecturers provide theoretical knowledge explanations, but also a large number of practical operation courses are arranged, allowing trainees to conduct operation practices in simulated construction sites and experience drilling operations under different geological conditions, mastering techniques for dealing with various complex situations. At the same time, the training also focuses on cultivating operators' safety awareness. Through case analysis and safety drills, they are made to deeply understand the importance of safe operation and improve their emergency handling capabilities, ensuring that they can quickly and effectively take measures in case of emergencies to protect themselves and others' safety.
(2) Site Investigation and Treatment
Before the operation of the rotary drilling rig, a comprehensive and detailed site investigation is an indispensable step. The investigators need to use professional geological exploration equipment and techniques to conduct in-depth exploration of the geological conditions of the site, understanding information such as the stratum structure, soil and rock characteristics, etc. At the same time, they should also use tools such as underground pipeline detectors to accurately identify the direction and depth of underground pipelines (such as water supply, power supply, gas supply, communication pipelines), as well as the distribution of surrounding buildings and structures and the foundation type.
For different site conditions, corresponding treatment measures need to be taken. If the soil of the site is soft and cannot bear the weight of the rotary drilling rig, the replacement filling method can be adopted. The soft soil can be excavated, and materials with higher strength such as sand, gravel, or lime soil can be used for replacement and layered compaction to increase the bearing capacity of the foundation; or steel plates, roadbed boxes, etc. can be laid to provide a stable support platform for the drilling rig. In a highway bridge pile foundation construction project, the site was soft wetland soil. The construction team first laid a 30-centimeter-thick crushed stone cushion layer, and then laid a 20-millimeter-thick steel plate on it, effectively solving the problem of the drilling rig sinking. For sites with underground obstacles, such as old foundations, isolated rocks, etc., they need to be cleared or crushed first. If underground pipelines are encountered, communication with relevant departments should be conducted to formulate a reasonable protection plan. Methods such as relocation, suspension, and wrapping can be used to ensure the safety of the pipelines. If there are buildings or structures around the site, corresponding protective measures should be taken based on their distance from the construction area and the foundation type, such as setting isolation piles, retaining walls, etc., to prevent the construction from affecting them.
(3) Equipment Inspection and Debugging
Equipment inspection is a crucial step to ensure the normal operation of the rotary drilling rig. In terms of the power system, it is necessary to check whether the engine oil, coolant, and fuel are sufficient, and whether there is any leakage. After starting the engine, observe whether it runs smoothly, whether there are any abnormal noises, and whether the readings of all instruments are normal. The hydraulic pump also needs to be checked for its working condition to ensure there is no abnormal vibration or noise, and the output pressure is stable. In the transmission system, the oil level of the gearbox should be maintained normally, and the shifting should be smooth; the drive axle should be checked for any oil leakage or abnormal noise, and ensure that the gear transmission is normal. The rotating mechanism's rotating motor should operate smoothly and quickly, the return bearing should be well lubricated, and there should be no wear or cracks. In the drill mast and drill tool system, the lifting and tilting actions of the drill mast should be flexible, without deformation or cracks; the wear condition of the drill bit should be closely monitored, and it should be replaced when it exceeds the specified limit, and the connection of the drill pipe must be firm. The electrical system's cable lines should not have any damage or aging, and the connection should be reliable; the indicator lights and buttons on the control panel should be normal, and the operating system should be sensitive. The hydraulic system of the auxiliary devices should check the oil level of the hydraulic oil tank and the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil, and whether there is any leakage of each hydraulic component; the radiator and fan of the cooling system should work normally, and the cooling fluid circulation should be smooth; the lubrication system should ensure that each lubrication point is lubricated in a timely and sufficient manner.
The debugging items are also indispensable. It is necessary to debug the performance parameters of the drilling rig such as speed, torque, and lifting force to make them meet the construction requirements. In a railway bridge foundation construction project, the construction personnel adjusted the rotational speed of the rotary drilling rig to 20 - 30 revolutions per minute, the torque to 200 - 300 kN・m, and the lifting force to a value that meets the maximum weight of the drill pipe and drill bit and the drilling resistance, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the drilling operation. At the same time, the verticality adjustment device of the drilling rig should also be debugged to ensure that the drill pipe remains vertical during the drilling process, so as to ensure the quality of the hole formation.
(1) Safety Operating Guidelines
1. Measures to Prevent Subsidence and Toppling
During the operation of the rotary drilling rig, preventing the rig from sinking and toppling is a crucial aspect for ensuring safety. Before the rig moves, the operator must conduct a detailed inspection of the road conditions and strictly prohibit driving on uneven ground. Such conditions are highly likely to cause the rig's center of gravity to become unbalanced, leading to sinking or toppling accidents. At the same time, a sufficient safety distance should be maintained from ditches and pits. Generally, the safety distance should be no less than 1.5 times the length of the rig's body. This is to prevent the reduction in the ground's bearing capacity due to proximity to the edge.
Before moving the rig, lowering the drill pipe, drill bits, power heads, etc. to the lowest position can effectively reduce the rig's center of gravity and enhance its stability. For example, at a railway bridge foundation construction site, the operator moved the rig in accordance with the specifications and lowered the drill pipe and drill bits to the lowest position, successfully avoiding a drilling rig tilt accident due to an excessively high center of gravity. The rig must not be driven on slopes with an inclination exceeding 15 degrees. If it is necessary to operate on a slope, the mast should be in a vertical position and facing the slope, and lateral driving must be strictly prohibited. Because lateral driving will cause the rig to be subjected to greater lateral force, increasing the risk of toppling. When the site conditions do not meet the requirements, laying a roadbed plate is an effective solution. The roadbed plate should be made of high-strength and tough materials, such as steel plates with a thickness of no less than 20 millimeters. During laying, ensure tight and flat joints to provide stable support for the rig. During the rig's movement, it should proceed slowly, with a speed generally controlled at 3 - 5 kilometers per hour, and closely monitor the changes in the rig's verticality. Once tilting is detected, immediately apply pressure with the drill pipe in the direction of the tilt to adjust the rig's balance.
2. Lifting Operation Specifications
Lifting operations are a high-risk part of rotary drilling machine construction and must strictly follow the operation specifications. Before lifting, conducting a no-load transfer is an essential step. Through the no-load transfer, it is checked whether the brakes, safety limiters, protective devices, etc. of each mechanism are functioning properly. Only after confirming everything is normal can the lifting operation be carried out. In a highway bridge pile foundation construction project, the construction personnel did not conduct a no-load transfer check before lifting. As a result, during the lifting process, the brake of the crane suddenly failed, nearly causing a major accident.
During lifting operations, it is strictly prohibited for anyone to stay or pass under the area where the heavy object is lowered. This is a basic requirement for ensuring personnel safety. At the same time, it is strictly prohibited to lift beyond the load capacity. Before lifting, the weight of the heavy object must be accurately calculated to ensure it does not exceed the rated lifting capacity of the drilling machine. Objects of unknown weight are also prohibited from being lifted to avoid overloading due to unknown weight. The binding work during lifting is crucial. It is necessary to ensure that the binding is stable and firm, use ropes that meet strength requirements, and adopt correct binding methods, such as symmetrical binding, bottom-pulling binding, etc., to prevent the heavy object from sliding during lifting. It is strictly prohibited to slant-lift or slant-hang items. Slant-lifting or slant-hanging will cause the rope to bear additional tension, increasing the risk of breakage; it is also not allowed to lift items that are crossed or squeezed in a staggered manner to avoid items colliding or scattering; and it is not allowed to lift items buried in the soil or stuck to the ground. Such items may be adhered to the surrounding soil or objects, causing huge resistance during lifting, resulting in equipment damage or accidents.
3. Special Environmental Response
In adverse weather conditions, the operation safety of rotary drilling machines faces severe challenges. When encountering winds of force 6 or above, the wind force will exert a strong force on the drilling machine, which can easily cause the machine to shake or topple. At this time, the operation should be immediately stopped, and the drill pipe and drill tools should be lowered to the lowest position. In case of emergency, use guy ropes to reinforce the drilling machine. If it rains heavily, the site may become waterlogged, causing the foundation to soften and increasing the risk of the drilling machine sinking. Before construction, drainage ditches should be set up around the site to promptly remove the water. At the same time, the electrical equipment of the drilling machine should be protected to prevent water from causing short circuits. In a highway construction project, a heavy rain caused severe water accumulation at the construction site. Some rotary drilling machines sank due to not taking timely protective measures, resulting in equipment damage and project delays.
In complex geological conditions, such as soft soil layers, sand layers, and rock layers, targeted measures need to be taken. In soft soil layers, the drilling speed should be controlled to avoid the collapse of the hole wall due to rapid drilling. The specific gravity and viscosity of the mud can be appropriately increased to enhance the support capacity of the mud on the hole wall. In sand layers, due to the strong water permeability of the sand layer, leakage may occur. Methods such as increasing the mud discharge rate and improving the mud colloid rate can be used for treatment. In rock layers, if the rock is hard, appropriate drill bits and drilling parameters should be selected, such as using hard alloy drill bits, reducing the rotational speed, and increasing the torque to improve drilling efficiency and safety.
(2) Efficiency Enhancement Strategies
1. Equipment Selection Adaptation
Selecting the appropriate type of rotary drilling rig is the foundation for improving construction efficiency. In road and railway construction, different projects have varying requirements for the performance of rotary drilling rigs. Multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively. The key parameters for drilling include the depth and diameter of the hole. If the required drilling depth is large, such as over 60 meters, a rotary drilling rig with a larger lifting capacity and drill pipe length should be selected; for cases with a larger hole diameter, such as over 2 meters, a device with high torque and strong power is necessary to ensure smooth rock and soil crushing. For example, in the pile foundation construction of some large bridges, the drilling depth may reach over 100 meters and the hole diameter is about 3 meters. At this time, an ultra-large rotary drilling rig like the SHANDONG HUAISHAN SWDM600 is needed, which has powerful drilling capabilities and stable performance to meet the construction requirements.
Geological conditions are also important criteria for selection. In soft soil layers, the torque requirement for the drilling rig is relatively low, but the stability requirement is high. A rotary drilling rig with a crawler chassis and a lower center of gravity can be selected; in hard rock layers, high torque, high power equipment, and drill bits suitable for hard rock drilling, such as wedge-shaped or conical teeth drill bits, should be equipped. The conditions of the construction site should not be ignored. If the site is narrow and transportation is inconvenient, a rotary drilling rig with a small size and strong maneuverability should be selected; if the site is spacious and transportation conditions are good, large equipment can be considered to fully utilize its advantages of efficient operation.
2. Optimization of Construction Plan
Optimizing the construction plan can significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the rotary drilling machine. Proper arrangement of the construction sequence is crucial. For pile group construction, the skip method can be adopted, where the intervals' pile positions are constructed first, and then the middle pile positions are constructed after the concrete of the already constructed pile reaches a certain strength. This avoids soil disturbance and quality issues of adjacent piles due to continuous construction. In the pile foundation construction of a railway station, by using the skip method, the occurrence of quality accidents such as pile shrinkage and breakage was effectively reduced, and the construction efficiency was improved.
Reasonable planning of the drilling machine's travel route can reduce the travel time and energy consumption of the drilling machine. Based on the distribution of pile positions and the terrain of the site, the shortest and most convenient travel route should be designed to avoid the drilling machine's circuitous movement on the construction site. For example, in a rectangular construction site, if the pile positions are arranged in rows and columns, the drilling machine can move along the rows and columns, which can greatly improve the construction efficiency. Additionally, by reasonably arranging the operation areas of multiple rotary drilling machines, parallel operations can be achieved, further accelerating the construction progress. In the pile foundation construction of large-scale highway bridges, simultaneously investing multiple rotary drilling machines, each responsible for the pile foundation construction in different areas, can significantly shorten the overall construction period.
3. Adjustment of Drilling Parameters
Adjusting the drilling parameters according to different geological conditions is the key to improving drilling efficiency. In soft soil layers, due to the soft nature of the soil, the drilling speed can be appropriately increased, with the general rotational speed controlled at 30 - 50 revolutions per minute, and the torque reduced to minimize equipment energy consumption and wear. In the pile foundation construction of a soft soil section of a highway, by increasing the drilling speed, the construction time for each pile hole was reduced by approximately 20%. While in hard soil layers, such as rock layers, the torque needs to be increased, generally reaching 200 - 500kN・m or even higher, and the rotational speed should be reduced, usually controlled at 10 - 20 revolutions per minute. This enables the drill bit to better break the rock and improve drilling efficiency.
Pressure control during the drilling process is also very important. According to the geological conditions and the type of drill bit, a continuous and stable pressure application method should be adopted, avoiding sudden pressure increase or decrease, to prevent damage to the drill bit or causing drilling deviation. For example, when drilling through sandy layers, the pressure should be appropriately reduced to prevent hole wall collapse due to excessive pressure; when drilling through hard rock, the pressure needs to be increased to ensure that the drill bit can effectively penetrate the rock.
(1) Equipment Parking and Arrangement
After the completion of the work, the parking of the rotary drilling rig is of vital importance. A flat, solid and well-drained site should be selected for parking to avoid parking in soft, low-lying or waterlogged areas to prevent the equipment from sinking or being damaged by water immersion. When parking, lower the drill rods and drill tools to the lowest position to reduce the equipment's center of gravity and enhance stability, and place the operation handles of the equipment in the middle position and turn off the power supply to prevent accidental startup. In a railway construction project site, due to limited space, the rotary drilling rig was parked in a soft soil area and the drill rods were not lowered to the lowest position. As a result, after a night rainstorm, the drilling rig sank and tilted, causing equipment damage and subsequent construction delays.
Cleaning of the equipment is also indispensable. Remove dirt, drill chips and debris from the drill rods, drill heads, chassis, etc., to prevent their accumulation from corroding the equipment and affecting its performance and lifespan. For example, use a high-pressure water gun to rinse the drill rods and drill heads, and use a brush to clean the dirt in the gaps of the chassis to ensure the equipment is clean and tidy. At the same time, check if there are any damaged or lost parts of the equipment, and if so, record them and carry out maintenance or replacement.
(2) Maintenance and Care Key Points
Regular maintenance and care are the key to ensuring the performance of the rotary drilling rig and extending its lifespan. After each day's work, daily maintenance should be carried out on the equipment to check if the levels of oil, fuel, hydraulic oil, coolant, etc. are normal and if there are any leaks; clean the air filter, fuel filter, etc., to ensure their filtering effect; check if the bolts and nuts of each part are tightened to avoid loosening and causing faults. Once a week or after a certain number of working hours, a comprehensive maintenance should be carried out, including replacing the oil, oil filter, gear oil, etc.; check the wear and broken wires of the steel wire rope, and replace it if necessary; add lubricating grease to each lubrication point to reduce component wear. Conduct a deep maintenance once a month or quarterly to check the performance of key components such as the power system, hydraulic system, and electrical system, and repair or replace the worn-out components.
Take a highway bridge pile foundation construction project as an example. The construction team strictly followed the maintenance and care plan to maintain the rotary drilling rig. During the first two years of use, the equipment failure rate was extremely low, and the construction efficiency was high, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of the project. In another project, due to the construction team's neglect of equipment maintenance and care, the equipment frequently broke down, not only increasing maintenance costs but also causing delays in the construction schedule, resulting in huge losses for the project.
Among numerous highway and railway construction projects, many successful cases have fully demonstrated the significant benefits brought about by following the operation norms of rotary drilling machines. Taking a highway bridge construction project as an example, this project passes through complex terrain and geological conditions, including soft soil layers, sand layers, and some rock layers. During the construction process, the construction team strictly followed the operation norms.
Before the operation, comprehensive professional training was given to the operators to ensure they were familiar with equipment operation and safety norms. At the same time, the site was carefully surveyed, and replacement filling was carried out for soft soil layers, and steel plates were laid to ensure the stable support of the drilling machine. The rotary drilling machine was strictly inspected and debugged to ensure good equipment performance.
During the operation, safety operation guidelines were strictly followed. When drilling in soft soil layers, the drilling speed was controlled to avoid hole wall collapse; in case of strong wind weather, the operation was immediately stopped and reinforcement measures were taken. In terms of efficiency improvement, the drilling parameters were precisely adjusted according to different geological conditions, increasing the rotation speed in soft soil layers and increasing the torque and reducing the rotation speed in rock layers. The construction sequence was reasonably arranged, and the group pile construction was carried out using the skipping method, and the shortest drilling machine walking route was planned.
After the operation, the equipment was properly parked and cleaned, and the equipment was regularly maintained according to the maintenance and maintenance plan. Through these standardized operation measures, this project successfully achieved a double improvement in safety and efficiency. In terms of safety, no safety accidents occurred throughout the construction process, ensuring the safety of construction personnel and the integrity of the equipment; in terms of efficiency, the construction progress was 15% ahead of the original plan, saving a lot of time and costs, and the hole quality was excellent, laying a solid foundation for the smooth progress of subsequent projects.
Looking at another high-speed railway construction project, this project has extremely high requirements for the accuracy and stability of the pile foundation. During the operation of the rotary drilling machine, the construction team strictly controlled the operation norms at all stages. From personnel qualification review to equipment selection and adaptation, meticulous arrangements were made. High-performance rotary drilling machines suitable for high-speed rail construction were selected, and the equipment was precisely debugged according to geological conditions and pile diameter requirements. During the construction process, the verticality and depth of the drilling holes were strictly controlled, and advanced measurement instruments were used for real-time monitoring to ensure that each pile met the design requirements. Through the standardized operation process, this project not only completed the pile foundation construction task ahead of schedule, but also the quality of the pile foundation was all qualified after testing, providing a reliable guarantee for the safe operation of the high-speed rail, and also winning valuable time for subsequent track laying and other projects.
The operation specifications for rotary drilling machines are like the cornerstone to a skyscraper, having an immeasurable significance for the construction of highways and railways. They serve as a solid shield to ensure construction safety, effectively reducing the probability of accidents, safeguarding the lives of every construction worker, and avoiding casualties and property losses caused by accidents. At the same time, they are a powerful engine for improving construction efficiency, by optimizing the construction process and reasonably regulating equipment parameters, significantly shortening the construction period and increasing the speed of project implementation, laying the foundation for the early completion and opening of highways and railways.
In the future journey of highway and railway construction, we must consistently attach great importance to the operation specifications of rotary drilling machines and strictly implement them in every construction process. Construction enterprises should strengthen the publicity and training of operation specifications, allowing every construction worker to deeply understand their importance and consciously abide by the requirements of the specifications. Regulatory authorities should increase supervision efforts, strictly urge construction units to implement the operation specifications, and seriously investigate and deal with violations. Only when all parties work together, continuously strengthening the enforcement of the operation specifications, can the quality and level of highway and railway construction be continuously improved, injecting continuous power into the vigorous development of national infrastructure construction, and making highways and railways a solid bond connecting cities and villages and promoting economic development and exchanges.
