On December 6, 2024, the review meeting for the “Technical Code for Horizontal Directional Drilling in Underground Space” (draft for review) (hereinafter referred to as the “Standard”) was held in Chengdu. The standard was led by Zhuofang Drilling Engineering Group Co., Ltd., a member unit of the Professional Committee, as the chief editor, with participation from 17 universities and institutions including the Institute of Exploration Technology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences; the Institute of Drilling Technology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences; JSTI Group Co., Ltd.; Chongqing University; and Chengdu University of Technology. The review panel included professors and experts from the China Geological Survey, universities, water resources and hydropower sectors, highways, rail transit, and the Sichuan Shudao Group. The standard received high praise and was successfully approved during the review!

Organized and submitted by the Professional Committee, the “Standard” was officially approved by the Chinese Society for Urban Studies on July 26, 2023, under the “2023 Research and Development Plan for Standards of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies (First Batch),” with project number 2023-1(1)-13. It was compiled and drafted by Zhuofang Drilling Engineering Group Co., Ltd., with Jiang Laifeng serving as the chief editor.

The chief editing unit—Zhuofang Group—established a drafting team on December 15, 2023. Through in-depth research, thorough summarization of practical experience, reference to advanced domestic and international standards, and extensive solicitation of feedback, the team completed the draft for public consultation of the “Standard” after one year of effort. On October 8, 2024, the draft was released for nationwide public consultation on the website of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies. Subsequently, the draft for review was finalized. During the evaluation meeting, the drafting team reported on various aspects, including the standard compilation process, the main content and features of the standard text, and the specialized studies and investigations conducted. The review panel listened to the work report on the compilation of the “Standard,” discussed and reviewed each chapter of the “Standard” in detail. They concluded that the “Standard” complies with the regulations for compiling engineering construction standards and the requirements of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies, demonstrating scientific rigor, applicability, and operability. It provides guidance for the design and implementation of horizontal drilling engineering in underground spaces. The review experts unanimously agreed to approve the “Standard” for review, allowing it to proceed to the approval draft stage for submission to the competent authorities.

The implementation of this “Standard” will have a positive and effective impact on both economic and social benefits. It will provide technical support for underground space planning, design, construction, and urbanization processes, effectively guiding and standardizing the practices and behaviors in horizontal directional drilling for underground space. It will significantly advance the progress and innovation of engineering geological drilling technologies in underground spaces, improve the efficiency, quality, and standardization of horizontal directional drilling operations, reduce overall drilling costs, ensure the safety of horizontal drilling construction, and promote healthy development, technical exchange, and cooperation in underground space exploration. This holds great significance!

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