We were asked to carry out diamond drilling works at Aintree Hospital, where the main contractor on site was Tilbury Douglas. The requirement was to drill two 112mm diameter holes at a 45 degree angle to allow for the installation of large armour cables.
Initially, the site manager had planned for four perpendicular holes at 90 degrees. However, there were concerns about the aesthetic impact of the holes on the building exterior, the difficulty electricians would face feeding heavy-duty cables around a 90 degree bend, and the risk of holes clashing with the building’s cladding. With the build near completion, space for the cables was extremely limited.
After reviewing the site and carefully measuring the available space, we suggested coring two 45 degree holes positioned close to the slab. This approach ensured the exit holes would sit below ground level, avoiding interference with the cladding and making cable installation much more practical.
Our team attended the site with specialist diamond drilling equipment designed for angled drilling. We marked out the position of both 45 degree holes, ensuring the alignment allowed the heavy-duty cables to be fed safely and efficiently.
Setting up for angled drilling in a constrained area required a controlled and stable approach. Using diamond core drilling techniques, we worked steadily and methodically, maintaining full control throughout the process. Dust and debris were carefully managed to keep the hospital environment safe and clean.
Diamond drilling is particularly suitable for sensitive and live sites such as hospitals. It allows precise openings to be formed with minimal vibration, helping to reduce disruption to surrounding areas. Noise levels are also lower than alternative methods, supporting the smooth running of hospital operations during the project.
The process also enables effective dust and debris management, ensuring a cleaner working area. In this project, the angled drilling allowed heavy-duty cables to be installed efficiently without affecting the building’s appearance or causing unnecessary difficulties for electricians.
Both 112mm holes were completed to the required 45 degree angle, positioned close to the slab, and exiting below ground level. This enabled the armour cables to be fed smoothly, saving the client time, effort, and cost compared to the original plan.
The site manager was very pleased with the outcome, as it met the practical requirements while preserving the building’s aesthetics and maintaining a safe working environment throughout the process.
We regularly support contractors with diamond drilling for service penetrations across commercial and sensitive environments. Our approach is always focused on accuracy, control, and delivering reliable results on site.
If your project requires angled drilling or specialist core drilling, contact us, as our team is always happy to discuss the most suitable approach.
