Boring Techniques Used in Construction

Tech

The worldwide tunnel boring machine market revenue will reach $7.5521 billion by 2027. Market researchers project a compound annual growth rate of 6.0% between 2020 and 2027.

You can use a boring machine for excavation through various ranges of rocks and soils. You can apply different boring techniques in great depths where direct methods prove impossible.

You must consider the materials to encounter when deciding on your soil boring methods. This article provides you with the boring techniques used in construction.

Auger Soil Boring

This has proved to be a useful method to explore your underground surface to determine if the soil can hold up a building. Auger boring helps in testing soil properties at different depths, especially in areas with clay and sandy soils.

You hold the auger vertically above the ground, then rotate it slowly to penetrate the subsoil layer. The sharp ends and tip allow your auger to displace materials above the ground and penetrate the soil.

Wash Boring Methods

It’s a process that involves driving a casing pipe into the ground. You then fill a wash pipe with water and insert it into the casing pipe.

You’ll flush a jet of water under high pressure through the pipe to displace the soil surface. The flushed water creates a slurry mixture, making it easy for displacement.

You can also raise the slurry mixture to the surface to test your soil composition. Wash boring methods are often used on rough and cohesive soil surfaces.

Rotary Drilling

This boring technique uses rotary drilling equipment to penetrate subsoil surfaces with rocks and hardpans. The drilling equipment has a steel tube with a cutting edge on the surface.

The cutting edge comes from a diamond or steel metal. These materials provide a hard and durable cutting edge that penetrates tough subsoil surfaces.

After penetration, the diamond/steel tip collects the subsoil samples into the steel tube. You can then test the soil to determine more about the composition of the underground layer.

Percussion Boring

This procedure can work in place of the rotary boring technique. It involves using repeated bowls from a chisel or bot to enter the subsoil.

You’ll also find the use of water jets in this drilling method. The provided water helps produce a slurry mixture, making the boring work hassle-free.

Displacement Boring

Displacement boring combines both sampling and drilling operations. This method forces a closed bottom sampler and a slit cup into the ground up to the target depth.

Rotating the piston detaches the sampler and releases the piston. Keep the sample in closed condition after getting the sample out of the sampler.

Displacement boring isn’t suitable for loose sand. It’s an economical boring method in case excessive caving doesn’t happen.

Choosing Boring Techniques

You’ll need to conduct an extensive risk assessment when choosing your boring methods. If your project has high-risk levels, it may cost you more in the long run.

Ensure you have properly documented procedures that both parties must follow. This measure helps find an amicable solution if a dispute arises during the soil boring process.

Browse this page to learn more about soil boring methods in the construction industry.