There is a lot of science that has to be used by professionals who specialize in geotechnical drilling. Trinity residents might not think that it is too hard to use a drill on a location, but knowing the geological science and physics involved can save a company both time and money. This is because incorrectly using equipment to test a location can wear down or break some drilling equipment, when there are better tools and tests to perform. One of the most common ways to test for geological conditions under a site is to use penetration testing. Knowing exactly what soils and sediments are lying underground go a long way in making drilling professionals choose the correct equipment the first time.

How Does Cone Penetration Testing Work?

Cone penetration drill bits are not the same as traditional drill bits that are used in geotechnical drilling. Trinity drilling professionals will slowly push the cone part of the apparatus slowly down at a rate much slower than when doing hammer or rotary drilling. The cone of this type of test is filled with electronics to record data and measurements that are used to get an accurate idea of what conditions are like below the surface without taking a direct sample from the ground like some boring samples.

What Does Cone Penetration Testing Find?

The cones that are used in cone penetration testing records continuous measurements that resist the penetration process as it is getting slowly pressed down. When it comes to this type of testing being performed with geotechnical drilling, Trinity residents might not be aware that tip resistance is determined when the cone is getting friction from different types of soils and sediments. These recorded ratios can be looked at on location to give drilling professionals a good idea of what is hiding below the surface of a location. These types of tests can also find anomalies that are hiding below the surface such as a small fissure that can develop later into a dangerous sinkhole.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Amdrill Inc*