Geotechnical Drilling Conway What kinds of soil could you encounter while performing geotechnical drilling?
Conway geotechnical drilling crews will encounter lots of different underground materials, including soil, stone, minerals and even underground structures such as caverns and voids. The composition of the earth in any given location can have a major impact on the overall stability of the site and its suitability for certain types of structures or construction projects.
One of the most significant variables is soil type, as this can have a major impact on geotechnical drilling. Conway geotechnical drilling experts will explore the various types of soil and how they differ.
Conway and the surrounding region is known for having fairly sandy soil. But this is just one of many different varieties. Let’s examine the various soil types and how they impact your drilling project and the overall stability of your land.
Clay Soil – Clay soil has very fine particles. This is a very dense soil, which can hold a lot of water. It’s also slow to drain. It’s known as being very good for retaining nutrients, so it can be quite fertile. The thick, dense nature of this soil can make for challenging drilling.
Sandy Soil – Sandy soil has the largest particles of all soil types and it’s one of the most challenging for growth as it’s poor in nutrients and the large gaps between the particles means this type of soil does not hold water well; it tends to drain through sandy soil. Sandy soil is prone to crumbling and erosion. Sandy soil is common in Conway and the surrounding region.
Silty Soil – Silty soil is smooth and silky in texture. Silty soil tends to be prone to compaction, although when aerated, it can be wonderful for planting and growing.
Loamy Soil – Loamy soil features a combination of clay, sand and silt. It’s often used for crops, as it retains water and nutrients quite well.
Peat Soil – Peat soil is very rich in organic material such as bits of plants. This soil type can retain lots of water, but it’s also quite fertile. Its thick, clumpy nature can make drilling a challenge.
Chalky Soil – Chalky soil contains lots of limestone and chalky stone fragments. It’s actually known for drying out very quickly and when wet, it can be “sticky,” resulting in a tricky drilling operation.
Saline/Salty Soil – Saline soil is found primarily in dry, desert climates that see little rain. This type of soil often has a white salty layer on the top. It’s very dry and water tends to flow over the surface instead of soaking in, resulting in a propensity for flash floods.
These are the most common types of soil that you may encounter while performing geotechnical drilling. Conway natives may wish to speak with their drilling technicians if they’re seeking to learn more about the ground composition and soil type in the local region.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Amdrill Inc*
