Best Practices for Determining Geotechnical Drilling Depth

Adhering to best practices in geotechnical drilling depth determination ensures comprehensive and reliable subsurface data for engineering projects.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Preliminary Assessment

Before drilling begins, a thorough assessment of the site conditions is crucial:

• Topographic Mapping: Identify potential challenges like slopes or floodplains.

• Initial Borehole Testing: Use a Borehole Sampling Machine to extract preliminary soil samples.

2. Align Depth with Project Needs

Tailor the depth to the structure's requirements:

• Shallow Foundations: Typically require exploration up to 5-10 meters.

• Deep Foundations: May demand drilling to bedrock or stable substrata, often using an Exploration Coring Drill Rig.

3. Choose Appropriate Drilling Equipment

Selecting the right equipment ensures depth accuracy and efficiency:

• Portable Full-Hydraulic Core Drilling Rig: Ideal for diverse terrains and deeper investigations.

• Exploration Trenching Drill: Suited for shallow, surface-level studies.

4. Monitor and Adjust Depth in Real-Time

Drilling conditions can change rapidly, requiring on-site adjustments:

• Unexpected Layers: Use advanced monitoring systems to detect anomalies.

• Groundwater Levels: Track fluctuations to avoid borehole instability.

5. Follow Regulatory Standards

Compliance with international and local standards is mandatory:

• ASTM D2113: For rock core drilling procedures.

• BS EN ISO 22475: For soil and groundwater investigations.

6. Document All Findings

Maintaining detailed records of drilling depth, equipment used, and conditions encountered is essential:

• Helps refine future drilling operations.

• Provides evidence for design decisions.

Conclusion

Adopting these best practices ensures accurate, efficient, and compliant geotechnical drilling, providing a solid foundation for engineering success.