Versatility of Drilling Rigs January 15, 2010

Drilling rigs are machines that are used in commercial construction applications that provide alternative methodologies for driving foundational support beams into the earth to reinforce the area on which large structures will be assembled.

The supply of the wide range of drill rigs available to project managers is a result of the wide ranging challenges faced by architects, site managers, and geotechnical engineering firms. Geotechnical engineering firms conduct studies of the identified site and analyze the soil, rock, and environmental conditions of the site to determine the unique requirements of each proposed job site. Their recommendations are utilized to construct a project plan that adheres to the limitations of the site.

Certain soil types do not permit the use of diesel hammer pile driving equipment or vibratory extractor/driver machines. The use of drill rigs in these situations is ideal. High capacity drilled and grouted piles can extend to depths of 200 feet and can withstand weight loads as high as 200 tons.

These rigs also provide a welcomed substitute when piles are required close to an existing adjacent structure. Unlike diesel hammer machines or vibratory extractor/drivers, drill rigs do not displace the existing rock, soil, and debris that lay hidden in the earth. Displacement of the existing earth that supports adjacent structures could result in a situation where the existing structure’s foundation is compromised. This could prove to be disastrous and result in lawsuits and loss of life in the most serious cases.

Standard deep foundation solutions are often not recommended in areas that have been identified as be cavernous by geotechnical engineers. Existing caves, underground rivers, and sink holes are not necessarily dangerous; similar to the manner in which a bridge is a stable solution for spanning a delta. The danger lies in the chance of undermining the natural support structure that exists. The constant pounding and/or vibrations that are generated by diesel hammer pile driving equipment or vibratory extractor/drivers can adversely affect these situations. The ability of drill rigs to supply support to structures without significantly impacting the composition of the surrounding area makes them a welcomed solution.

When piles are required to abut adjacent structures for additional support there is no other option that is as effective as the solution provided by drill rigs. Architects often utilize existing structures to provide a heightened level of stability that cannot be attained on independent standing structures. The ability of a drill rig to place a micropile near an existing structure is unchallenged in its efficiency. Even in situations where traditional pile driving is permissible, the risks that exist (such as damage to an existing structure from a boom crane) far outweigh the advantages.
 

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