Geotechnical Drilling Oak Ridge What is Bedrock and How Can You learn about it With Geotechnical Drilling?
Oak Ridge, Louisiana geotechnical drilling technicians can extract samples from a range of different sub-surface layers, including the bedrock. But what is bedrock, why is it important and why would you want to sample it?
These are amongst the most common questions that we receive concerning geotechnical drilling. Oak Ridge natives can read on to learn more about bedrock and why sampling is sometimes necessary.
Why Do You Sample Bedrock With Geotechnical Drilling?
Oak Ridge geotechnical drilling operations sometimes entail drilling down into the bedrock, which is a layer of lithified rock that underlies a number of different layers of earth. These different regolith layers situated atop the bedrock are called “horizons.”
The very top layer is the organic layer, comprised of leaves, sticks, dead plants and other organic matter. This layer, also called “Horizon O” is organic-rich dirt where natural composting takes place. Below the organic layer is “Horizon A,” the surface layer. This layer has a bit less organic matter, although plant roots frequently penetrate down into this layer.
The subsoil layer, also called “Horizon B” is next. Many of the deepest roots penetrate down into this layer, which is comprised primarily of soil, with some rocks. Below this layer is “Horizon C,” the substratum layer, which is a fairly rocky soil layer that sits directly atop the bedrock. The bedrock is considered “Horizon R.”
Bedrock can extend hundreds of feet down below the surface, abutting the earth’s crust in some regions. Bedrock can be comprised of igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary rock. Whatever the rock type, the bedrock components are typically consolidated from the aggregate pressure of the overlaying soil layers.
The bedrock is important because there are many structures that require excavating down into the bedrock. The degree of difficulty for this type of project will vary depending upon the type of stone that comprises the bedrock. In other instances, the engineers may choose to drill down into the bedrock, inserting stabilization rods that connect to the foundation for added stability in regions with questionable stability.
The U.S. Gulf Coast is a geologically unique region, with lots of loose, sandy soil and limestone bedrock in many regions. Geotechnical drilling allows you to extract samples from the bedrock, which provides geologists and geotechnical engineers to learn more about the composition of the bedrock, its integrity and overall quality and even if the area is prone to a sinkhole.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Amdrill Inc*
