Skip to main content

Drilling rig for Russian road project

A Sandvik Construction DQ500 dimensional stone drill rig has proved useful on a road project in Dagestan, Russia. Local contractor, Dagestan Vzryv Stroy, is using the drill rig to work on the reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road. The reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road began in early 2014. The local authorities were keen to rebuild a section of the 83km route where it runs through mountains in order to connect Russia with Georgia. The economically important project was given a national grade as i
March 18, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
The Sandvik rig has proven itself in a tough drilling job in Russia
A Sandvik Construction DQ500 dimensional stone drill rig has proved useful on a road project in Dagestan, Russia. Local contractor, Dagestan Vzryv Stroy, is using the drill rig to work on the reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road.

The reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road began in early 2014. The local authorities were keen to rebuild a section of the 83km route where it runs through mountains in order to connect Russia with Georgia. The economically important project was given a national grade as it was seen as essential for strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, and developing the economy in the Dagestan region. The construction of the new road should be completed by 2017–2018.

In 2015 the Russian government allocated more than US$576 million to the project. Despite tough operating conditions, the firms working on the project have managed to complete a large volume of drilling and blasting, as well as constructing 25 bridges, five tunnels and 10m high retaining walls.

Some of the most demanding project work related to blasting and drilling, and is being undertaken by a local contractor, Dagestan Vzryv Stroy. Currently its operators are working on widening from its current 5m to 12m. The firm wanted to buy a newer and safer rig and initiated discussions with construction equipment specialist company, Quarry Service, the official distributor for 2403 Sandvik Construction in Russia.

Following site visits and in-depth analysis of what was required Quarry Service was able to recommend a solution for drilling marlstone which is abundant in this particular area. Quarry Service also provided a thorough geological study of the location, which led to the recommendation of making drill rig versatility the primary factor in equipment choice. Dagestan Vzryv Stroy chose a DQ500 dimensional stone drill rig. Despite its compact size the DQ500 is able to deliver 129kW of power.

The DQ500’s low weight, greater mobility and versatility have made the DQ500 useful for the work. The roll-over boom feature found on the DQ500 has also made an impressive contribution; using unique Sandvik technology, the rig is able to spin around the axis and drill at different angles. This has made a massive contribution to safety, efficiency and productivity. Its cost effectiveness is further enhanced by the low fuel consumption of the engine, which has made a significant contribution to reducing project fuel costs. Since buying the machine the firm has decided to replace its existing machines which are much older.

Anvar Aivazov, CEO of Dagestan Vzryv Stroy, said,  “The old rigs were decommissioned right after we purchased DQ500 since it can singly cope with the huge amount of work under any conditions. After completing this project we plan to move to Chechnya and North Ossetia to build new roads. Of course, we are also considering expanding our machinery fleet with Sandvik Ranger or Pantera rigs.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Sandvik tunnelling equipment boosts Sochi 2014
    August 28, 2013
    Sandvik Construction is among leading equipment manufacturers playing a key role in building a network of road and rail tunnels on one new and one existing transport route in and around the Russian coastal city of Sochi as part of a US$47.75 billion investment in preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Guy Woodford reports Sandvik Construction’s tunnelling equipment team in Russia have been very much in demand over the past three years. Since 2010, they have been overseeing the seven Russian c
  • Nigerian asphalt producer increasing capacity with Sandvik plant
    June 30, 2014
    In Nigeria a major asphalt producer is increasing production capacity to cope with growing demand for its materials Nigeria is developing its road and highway network, which has triggered greater demand for quality aggregates and asphalt for construction. Producer Asphalt Unity Construction is now meeting this demand with its purchase of new mobile equipment from Sandvik Construction.
  • Major producer of road construction materials
    February 10, 2012
    The Simge Group operates a massive and highly modern quarrying operation close to the Turkish city of Bursan, which provides a major supply of aggregates and asphalt to the country's highway construction sector. This quarry produces around 4 million tonnes/year of crushed limestone and is the largest of the five quarries the Simge Group runs in Turkey, which have a combined output of 12 million tonnes/year. The huge site has an asphalt output of 500,000tonnes/year, again a significant portion of the 1.2 mil
  • Norway’s record breaking undersea road tunnel
    February 25, 2015
    The world's deepest road tunnel is currently in construction near Stavanger in Norway but is only the prelude to even larger projects - report and photographs by Adrian Greeman. Norway's convoluted coastline of fjords and high mountains is famously scenic but also a major problem for transport and connections. The country has long experience of constructing tunnels as a result. Now a series of tunnels underway, or in design, around the oil industry city of Stavanger will stretch its skills more than usual.