Geo-technical Boring is less accurate, less efficient and more expensive than Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), here’s why.

When it comes to selecting a method for subsurface investigation and testing you are presented with different options. From the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), which is a type of Geo-technical Soil Boring to Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) there are many options to consider, and each provides certain advantages over the other. Today we’re going to compare Geo-technical Boring to CPT.
Geo-technical boring is a method of drilling which is performed for site investigation. This drilling technique is most commonly used to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock under a foundation. This information helps to determine the depth of the foundation, ensure the site is safe and determines if structural compensations will be needed. This also ensures that the foundation, caissons and various supports are built in the right place.

Hollow Stem Augers

One type of geo-technical boring using a hollow stem auger is the Standard Penetration Test. Like it’s name suggests, a hollow stem auger is a drilling tool that enables you to capture soil samples in the hollow portion of the drill for retrieving to the surface. One advantage of this approach is that you have actual soil samples you are working with. In the case of identifying the presence, location and depth of specific types of contaminants, this can be useful.

Cone Penetration Testing

Though geo-technical boring seems like a sufficient option for site subsurface investigation, geo-technical boring doesn’t provide the accuracy and efficiency that Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) can offer. Geo-technical Boring has the advantage that it uses many of the skills of conventional well drilling. Because the Boring operations and technical analysis, such as laboratory tests, are separate, Geo-technical Boring can require less skilled operators on site than CPT. However, a price is paid in efficiency as often the site samples are sent to a separate lab for testing. This costs additional time and money while increasing earthen waste.

Though both Geo-technical Boring and CPT provide suitable options for obtaining useful information, there are many more benefits to using CPT over geo-technical drilling. CPT is not only a cost effective option but it also provides immediate electronic data for review. You’ll find that as you embark on CPT, that your customers value the immediacy of the results you can provide them, as well as your ability to sample more locations more quickly than Geo-technical Boring rigs can, often at an increase of 3 : 1. Not only is CPT a better option for proficiency, but it’s usually a lower cost solution while delivering more data.