FIELD INVESTIGATION

Drilling Works

Geotechnical drilling and sampling focused on obtaining reliable information about subsurface conditions for engineering interpretation and design.

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DRILLING WORKS

Reliable subsurface information starts in the borehole

Drilling is the primary means of directly investigating subsurface conditions. Properly executed boreholes provide the geological information, representative samples and field observations required to define the ground profile and support reliable engineering interpretation.

Borehole Drilling

Engineering boreholes provide direct access to subsurface conditions and form the basis for reliable geological investigation.

Boreholes are drilled to the required depths and diameters according to the investigation objectives, ground conditions and planned sampling or in-situ testing. Appropriate drilling methods are selected to maintain borehole stability, obtain representative geological information and ensure the quality of subsequent investigation works.

Geological Logging

Detailed geological logging records the sequence, condition and characteristics of soils and rocks encountered in each borehole.

During drilling, each geological layer is identified and described with respect to depth, thickness, composition, colour, consistency or density, structure, weathering and other relevant features. Accurate logging allows individual boreholes to be correlated and provides the basis for developing the engineering geological model of the site.

Soil Sampling

Representative soil samples are obtained from selected depths for laboratory identification and determination of physical and mechanical properties.

Disturbed or undisturbed samples are collected depending on the soil type and the laboratory testing program. Proper sampling, handling, sealing and identification are essential to preserve the natural condition of the material and obtain reliable laboratory results.

Rock Coring

Rock coring provides continuous core samples for direct assessment of lithology, structure and rock mass condition.

Coring is performed through rock intervals to obtain the most continuous and representative core possible. The recovered material allows engineers to assess rock type, degree of weathering, fracturing, discontinuities, strength variations and changes within the rock mass.

Core recovery and RQD technical illustration

Core Recovery & RQD

Core recovery and RQD provide quantitative indicators of core quality, fracturing and overall rock mass condition.

Recovered core is measured and documented for each drilling run. Core recovery indicates the proportion of material successfully recovered, while Rock Quality Designation (RQD) characterizes the amount of sound core pieces of significant length. Together with visual logging, these parameters support assessment of rock mass quality and variability.

In-Situ Testing

In-situ tests provide direct measurements of ground behaviour under natural field conditions.

Selected boreholes can be used for field testing according to the investigation program and ground conditions. In-situ methods provide additional information on strength, deformability, density, permeability or other engineering parameters and complement laboratory testing and geological observations.

Groundwater Observations

Groundwater encountered during drilling is recorded to establish its depth, occurrence and possible influence on site conditions.

Groundwater inflows, wet zones and observed water levels are documented during and, where required, after drilling. These observations help identify groundwater conditions, assess their relationship with geological layers and determine whether additional hydrogeological monitoring or investigation is required.

Borehole Documentation

Every borehole is systematically documented to create a clear and traceable record of the subsurface investigation.

Borehole records combine drilling depths, geological descriptions, sampling intervals, core information, field observations, groundwater data and testing results. Structured documentation ensures that field information can be accurately interpreted and incorporated into borehole logs, engineering geological sections and the final investigation report.

WHY IT MATTERS

Reliable engineering conclusions begin with properly executed drilling. Accurate boreholes, representative sampling, careful geological logging and field observations ensure that the subsurface model reflects actual ground conditions and provides a sound basis for engineering interpretation and design.