Drilling of Engineering-Geological Boreholes
The primary objective of drilling for engineering-geological surveys is to study the geological and lithological structure of the subsurface and the physical properties of rocks.
Currently, the known methods for rock destruction include:
- Mechanical (using tools, machines, or hydraulic devices)
- Physical (thermal or explosive)
- Chemical (dissolution, leaching, or gasification)
There are two main types of mechanical drilling:
- Percussion drilling
- Rotary drilling
For engineering-geological boreholes, the following methods are commonly applied, typically using mechanized equipment:
- Core drilling
- Auger drilling
- Vibratory drilling
- Cable-tool percussion drilling with a ring bit
The choice of drilling method depends on geological conditions and the intended outcome:
- Core drilling is used mainly in hard or semi-hard rock and dense cohesive soils, often with clay-based drilling fluids.
- Auger drilling is efficient and suitable for penetrating aquifers or drilling to target depths without detailed stratigraphic investigation.
- Vibratory drilling is the most productive for loose or cohesive soils with minimal coarse fragments.
- Cable-tool drilling with a ring bit is recommended for unconsolidated, cohesive, and semi-hard deposits.
Drilling of Engineering-Hydrogeological Boreholes
Hydrogeological surveys are a critical component of the design and construction of any infrastructure. These surveys analyze natural groundwater and the processes affecting it, enabling accurate predictions of how subsurface water will behave during construction and operation.
LTS specialists are equipped to provide a full range of hydrogeological services, including:
- Preliminary analysis of site hydrogeological conditions
- Collection and evaluation of data on:
- Groundwater mappingAquifer explorationWater abstraction regimes
- Hydrochemical properties of groundwater
The hydrogeological survey project consists of two sections:
- General geological and hydrogeological: geological structure, hydrogeological and hydrochemical conditions, site knowledge level, and current groundwater usage
- Special section: types and scope of proposed work
The program includes:
- Drilling and hydrogeological testing of wells
- Geophysical surveys
- Determination of hydro-dynamic parameters of productive aquifers
- Chemical analysis of groundwater
- Office-based processing and interpretation of all results
- Preparation of the final hydrogeological report
Geomechanical Drilling
Geotechnical investigations by LTS specialists are conducted to determine the physical properties of soils at project sites. This data is essential for designing foundation and excavation works and for mitigating risks during earthworks and construction under challenging engineering-geological conditions.
Surveys include both surface and subsurface investigations.
Based on years of field experience, we provide the following services as part of geotechnical investigations:
- Geotechnical monitoring and control
- Assessment of soil condition
- Monitoring of geological processes
Scope of engineering and geotechnical investigations includes:
- Excavation of rock openings and sampling, with laboratory testing of soil mechanical properties for use in design models
- Field testing to determine standard strength and deformation properties (plate load, shear, pressuremeter, vane tests)
- Determination of standard mechanical characteristics using static, dynamic, and borehole probing methods
- Physical and mathematical modeling of building-soil interaction
- Specialized testing for complex or nonlinear foundation modeling methods
- Geotechnical monitoring of structures and surrounding areas
- Installation of monitoring equipment: inclinometers, extensometers, piezometers, pore pressure sensors, and hydrogeological instruments
Drilling of Technical Boreholes
Our specialists also perform drilling of various technical-purpose boreholes, including:
- Dewatering wells
- Drainage wells
- Construction dewatering
- Ventilation shafts
- Injection wells, and more