SLOPE & DIFFICULT ACCESS GROUND INVESTIGATION

Part of our Data Acquisition Solution

We own and operate an extensive fleet of drilling rigs, which includes rigs that have been developed by our in-house fitters. Some of these rigs include our slope climbing and difficult access rigs.

Slope failures on linear infrastructure earthworks and on natural slopes are increasingly common due to climate change, causing more extreme weather events. Site investigations are important to characterise the ground conditions in these areas of instability. This enables clients to monitor assets and geotechnical engineers to design appropriate remedial measures. We’re on hand to provide our clients with a varied range of slope climbing drilling solutions.

Traditionally, investigation of these sites either entailed designing and installing platforms, using scaffolding that would service a cut-down cable percussion or rotary or, more commonly, clients would need to accept a downgrade in the data that could be recovered by using limited hand-held window sampling and other equipment. In addition, these difficult-to-access locations are often remote from access points, so possession of the railway and traffic management on highways are often required. Moving and establishing equipment/scaffolding on and off site can take a long time and be prohibitively expensive when using these traditional techniques.

To combat these issues, we’ve developed a range of drilling rigs that are able to access restricted sites and provide the high quality geotechnical data, required by design engineers. We have used our experience of current drilling technology and projects in difficult-to-access locations, to design rigs that are true ‘geotechnical investigation’ rigs.

A CA slope climbing rig set out at the top of a slope, in front of a main road, with beautiful green, large hills, trees and a light blue sky in the background.
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Our Slope Ground Investigation Solutions Include:

Slope climbing rigs (undisturbed sampling, dynamic sampling, rotary drilling, SPTs)

Slope climbing rigs with working platforms (undisturbed sampling, dynamic sampling, rotary drilling, SPTs) and slope climbing support mules (working platforms)

Long-reach mounted working platform rig with dual dynamic sampling and rotary masts (undisturbed sampling, dynamic sampling, rotary drilling, SPTs)

Telehandler-mounted working platform rig with dual dynamic sampling and rotary masts (undisturbed sampling, dynamic sampling, rotary drilling, SPTs)

Modular rigs (undisturbed sampling, dynamic sampling, rotary drilling, SPTs)

MIP3 Rig

The MIP3 is a compact, specialist rotary rig designed for dynamic sampling and drilling on steep and challenging terrain, including dam slopes and embankments. Its chassis and mast can be levelled in both planes, allowing stable operation on inclines up to 45°. Steel tracks with single grouser pads provide strong grip and penetration, while a radio-controlled winch adds extra security on critical sites. A sliding tool system houses a rotary drill head, SPT and dynamic sampler, with all travel, levelling and winch operations managed via full radio control. The MIP3 also features the Jean Lutz MWD system, enabling real-time data collection for precise ground investigation, including:

  • Drilling depth, time and penetration rate
  • Blow count and hammering frequency
  • Rotation speed and torque
  • Tool pressure and holdback
  • Injection fluid pressure and flow
  • Mast inclination (X and Y)

With a top speed of four miles per hour, the MIP3 allows quick, efficient site positioning, ideal for slope and difficult access ground investigations.

A Central Alliance slope climbing rig set out on a dry, grassy slope, next to a railway line, with trees, the blue sky and clouds in the background.

Drilltrack GT300E

The GT300E is a track-mounted rotary rig built for drilling and sampling on steep slopes, such as dams and transportation embankments. Its platform and mast can be levelled in both directions for safe use on uneven terrain. Steel tracks with single grouser pads ensure traction on inclines up to 45°, and a 6,350kg radio-controlled winch boots safety on difficult sites. A sliding mast system includes a rotary drill head, SPT and hydraulic breaker. All movement, winch and levelling operations are radio-controlled for safe, remote handling.

Once deployed, fold-down walkways and GRP flooring provide a level, secure work area, with full edge protection from removable handrails and kickboards.

  • Dual-axis platform and mast levelling
  • Steel tracks for strong slope traction
  • 6,350kg radio winch added for safety
  • Integrated rotary drill head, SPT and dynamic sampler
  • Fully radio-controlled functionality

The GT300E offers a powerful, safe solution for geotechnical work in difficult-to-access or sloped areas.

Modular Rig

Our expert team of engineers and fitters has designed and built a bespoke modular rig that meets our requirements to acquire ground information on slopes and in other restricted access locations. The modular rigs can be disassembled into component parts, carried into position, and reassembled.

As it is capable of everything that the larger tracked dynamic sampling rigs are capable of (including SPTs and undisturbed samples), there is no longer a requirement for designers to compromise by selecting inferior hand-held window sampling equipment for restricted access locations.

Our modular rigs also offer significant hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and noise benefits over hand-held equipment. Our extensive fleet of modular rigs enables us to mobilise to sites quickly to meet project demands.

Ground Investigation