Louisiana Tech University’s Trenchless Technology Center Hosts 7th Annual Auger Boring School at the BERT Facility
From February 25–27, the Barbera Education, Research & Training (BERT) Facility proudly hosted the 7th annual Auger Boring School in partnership with Louisiana Tech University’s Trenchless Technology Center. This three-day educational event brought together leading trenchless professionals, educators, and contractors for an in-depth exploration of auger boring best practices, emerging technologies, and hands-on instruction.
The Auger Boring School is a unique and important opportunity for both new and experienced contractors in the trenchless industry. Not only does it prepare newcomers with the foundational knowledge needed to safely and efficiently operate in the field, but it also serves as a critical refresher for seasoned professionals looking to stay ahead of evolving industry standards and innovations.
Each day of the event featured a combination of classroom and in-field training sessions. Attendees were split into small groups to ensure a focused and immersive learning experience. Classroom sessions covered the theoretical and technical aspects of auger boring, while the outdoor sessions allowed students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on environment.
During the field sessions, participants had the rare opportunity to operate actual auger boring equipment, including our own 30-250 Auger Boring Machine, which was showcased daily throughout the event. In addition to machine operation, the in-field sessions provided practical demonstrations of specialty cutting heads designed for hard rock ground conditions.
On Day 2, we demonstrated the deployment of our BBC60 Disc Cutter Head, an advanced solution for effective boring in tough geological formations. Then on Day 3, we featured the BBC55 Retractable Roller Cone Head, known for its robust performance and reliability in the most challenging hard rock conditions. Both tools are purpose-built to enhance boring efficiency and precision where standard cutting heads fall short.
The event was packed with valuable insight, expert instruction, and forward-looking discussion—all of which contribute to raising the bar for safety, productivity, and technical competence in the trenchless industry. We’re incredibly proud to support initiatives like this that push the industry forward and empower the next generation of trenchless professionals.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the attendees, instructors, and organizers who made this year’s Auger Boring School a success. We look forward to seeing how these lessons translate into safer, smarter, and more productive jobsites across the country.
