If you’re planning any kind of construction or remediation project, then chances are that you’ll require a geotechnical site investigation to determine the ground conditions beforehand. What’s more, you’ll also need to use the right tool and drilling technique for the job in question. As experts in the field, the team at Borehole share the types of projects our site investigation drilling rigs work on.
What is a Geotechnical Site Investigation?
First things first, what exactly is a site investigation? This is the process of sampling and analysing the ground conditions to determine the presence of any contamination. The investigation reveals the characteristics of the ground, including how porous it is as well as its weight bearing capacity.
A geotechnical site investigation involves digging trial pits and drilling boreholes in various locations. Understandably, the more samples that you collect, then the more accurate your testing will be to represent the entire site and you’re more likely to identify any unforeseen hazards.
Types of Projects
Here are three types of projects that require a geotechnical site investigation:
Sea Defences
Did you know that England has some of the fastest eroding coastlines in Europe? This is particularly true in Norfolk and Yorkshire. Our coasts are constantly vulnerable to the elements and the sea waves all year round, so it’s no surprise that a huge amount of money is required to build and maintain our coastal defences.
For example, the team at Borehole Solutions recently carried out a project in Dawlish, Devon, to test the underlying geology and integrity of their sea walls. We figured out of all the site investigation drilling rigs available, our sonic drilling rig would be the most appropriate due to the tough terrain and conditions. What’s more, we needed a small machine that we could quickly lift when high tide comes.
Basement Underpinning
Basements are a great way to make the most of your space, especially in urban areas. However, they need careful planning to clarify how deep the foundations should be and whether the soil is stable enough. There’s nothing worse than splashing out on a basement that could collapse further down the line!
This type of project may require a few site investigation drilling rigs to complete the job, including restricted access drilling rigs to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and excavators.
Roads and Highways
Our road network is crucial for transportation up and down the country. When failures occur, they can be frustrating, but in some cases extremely dangerous. They must be repaired quickly and efficiently to get things up and running again.
This is why site investigation drilling rigs are required to give yourself an overview of the ground conditions to prevent the risk of slips, potholes or cracks developing.
Contact Us
If you’re planning a construction project, get in touch with us today to find out more about our site investigation drilling rigs and how we can help you. Click here to fill out our enquiry form, or give us a call on 01733 200501 to speak with the team directly.
