Here at Borehole Solutions, we’ve offered ground investigation services across the UK for over two decades. Our extensive experience means that we offer a multitude of different geotechnical investigation techniques; including window sampling, sonic drilling, and cable percussion drilling, to name but a few. All with their own advantages, understanding which method is best for your project is crucial.
Our Services
Knowing when your project requires a ground investigation is one thing, but choosing the right technique for your site is another thing all together. This is when our experts can offer a helping hand and guide your decision so that your geotechnical site investigation runs as smoothly as possible.
Window Sampling
Also known as “mini-boreholing” or “dynamic sampling”, this method is ideal for smaller-scale soil sampling projects with restricted access due to its small rig size. It’s mainly used on superficial and weathered formations for both chemical and geotechnical purposes, including standard penetration tests (SPTs). It involves using a hydraulic drop-hammer to drill cylindrical rods into the ground and collect samples.
Trial Pits
Trial pits are one of the most easy and cost-effective ground investigation techniques available for collecting both disturbed and undisturbed samples. They require minimal equipment to dig out, meaning you save on both transport and fuel costs. In fact, most trial pits can be created by hand or with a small digger.
Cable Percussion Drilling
Cable percussion has long been the UK’s most popular form of drilling (although sonic drilling is now making its way to the spotlight!) and for good reason. It offers a versatile performance and can tackle both consolidated and unconsolidated substrate formations. The boreholes are formed using a shell or clay-cutter, then steel casing is used to maintain the integrity and stability of the walls. This drilling method allows you to drill deeper into the water table compared to other methods.
Rotary Drilling
This drilling method is suitable for a range of different projects, from quarries and mines to the more typical geotechnical environments. Using torque rotation, a rotary drill bit makes its way through the substrate. The high speed of rotation makes it ideal for carving through both hard and soft formations, making it one of the most common geotechnical drilling techniques used.
Sonic Drilling
Out of all the different ground investigation services mentioned above, we’d argue that we’ve saved the best for last. Sonic drilling is fast, clean, and the rigs are extremely powerful and versatile. It’s suitable for overburdened areas or those with superficial deposits as the vibrating sonic head can progress through the substrate with ease. Furthermore, the rigs are more environmentally friendly and safe compared to other auger drilling rigs. Click here for more information about sonic drilling.
Contact Us
Our wide variety of ground investigation services sets us apart from many other geotechnical companies out there. From trial pits to sonic drilling, you name it, we can do it! Get in touch with us today on 01733 200501 or click here to message the team directly.
