Borehole Investigations

Synonyms

CPT sample; Drill hole study

Definition

Method of study to investigate soils and rocks in the Earth’s subsurface by means of long and narrow holes drilled through a variety of specialized methods.

Introduction

Successful engineering works often benefit from a clear and better understanding of the nature of soil and rock below ground. In the absence of extensive trenching and excavation and to complement noninvasive geophysical exploration techniques, borehole investigations can be carried out, including the analysis and characterization of the soil and rock recovered. Such investigations allow the identification of the soils or rocks present, as well as an understanding of their physical properties on the basis of field and laboratory tests.

Borehole investigations allow practitioners to determine the nature and location of the different soil/rock layers, collect samples, carry out in situ tests and permeability tests, and, if necessary, install piezometers and other...