The Importance of Geotechnical Drilling in Construction Projects
Prior to breaking ground on a construction site, there are many things that need to happen. For instance, it’s important to understand the chemistry and characteristics of the ground on which you’re building. It’s also important to know how solid the ground is and if there’s anything of consequence lying beneath it. The only way to gather this information and have peace of mind going into your construction project is to perform geotechnical drilling.
If you require geotechnical drilling on your El Paso construction site, El Paso Drilling can help. Contact us online or call (915) 479-7060 to learn more about our services.
What is Geotechnical Drilling?
Geotechnical drilling is the act of drilling small holes, also known as boreholes, into the earth. Geotechnical drilling is a complex process that’s performed by a geotechnical engineer using large-scale drilling equipment known as drill rigs. While the engineer may not perform the actual drilling, they are responsible for overseeing the project and examining the results.
How Does the Geotechnical Drilling Process Work?
The geotechnical drilling process is quite interesting. Here’s a quick look at how it works for construction projects.
- A residential or commercial contractor wants to break ground on a new building, parking lot, structure, or another type of project.
- They contact a drilling company capable of performing geotechnical drilling in El Paso and explain their project.
- The drilling company, led by experienced geotechnical drillers and engineers, brings their equipment to the site.
- They then drill a series of boreholes into the ground throughout the construction site.
- These samples of dirt and rock are then preserved and sent to a laboratory for testing.
- The lab will perform an in-depth examination of the samples and report their findings to the drilling company.
Contact us to learn more about our process!
Why is Geotechnical Drilling Necessary Before a Construction Project?
Geotechnical drilling should be standard procedure for any construction project. The purpose of this procedure is to determine the integrity and contents of the soil on which you plan to build. Proceeding with a construction project without understanding the ground on which you’re building is dangerous and irresponsible.
Because of how important geotechnical drilling is, it’s often required by local building codes and standards. However, even when it isn’t required by code or law, every responsible contractor should invest in geotechnical drilling. Here are some of the things that it can detect.
- How loose or compact the soil is
- How high the water content of the soil is
- How permeable the soil is
- The grain size of the soil
- How rocky or stony the soil is and what kind of deposits there are
- Whether or not there are any potential contaminants in the soil
How Can Geotechnical Drilling Help You?
Depending on the findings of geotechnical drilling, you may need to alter your construction plans. If the soil is too unstable or hazardous, you won’t be able to build on top of it, and you’ll need to delay or halt your project.
Contact El Paso Drilling For Geotechnical Drilling in El Paso
If you require geotechnical drilling services in El Paso, El Paso Drilling can help. In addition to pier, hole, concrete, and other drilling services, we also offer geotechnical drilling for construction projects. We can help you have peace of mind and know that you’re building your structure on safe, solid ground. Call (915) 479-7060 to learn more!