The purpose of this course is to provide attendees both a lecture session as well as actual field usage of sonic drilling technology. A mid-size track mounted sonic drill will be on site as well as a probe and auger rig for comparison of soil collection methods as well as comparisons.

Summary:
Sonic drilling technology has proven to be a cost effective means of exploring the sub-surface. Sonic drilling has many advantages over traditional drilling and probing methods. The soil samples often create a highly representative sample through formations that just rotary drilling and probes struggle to achieve quality samples.

Course Agenda:
Indoor lecture: 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

• A brief discussion covering sonic history, basic theory, mechanical theory of sonic head. Brief explanation of the energy developed from a probe hammer versus sonic head. 

• Why and how sonic drilling works, discussion on the displacement of various overburden soils during drilling/probing applications.

• Discussion of safety issues including comparison of noise levels with other drilling techniques. Discussion of the automation factors and how that enhances productivity as well as safety.

• Explanation of the “water hammer effect” as over casing takes place with the advantage of the sonic head.

• Comparisons of soil collection methods pros and cons. Penetration rates and soil generated will also be also compared.

Break: 2:15 - 2:30 PM
Outside field demonstration: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

• 4x6 method: Sonic drilling of overburden begins with advancing a 4.5” core barrel to 10’. Then chasing and over casing the sample barrel. With both casings installed the sampler will be removed and collected in both plastic bags and core boxes.

• DT 4.5” sampling: A boring will be completed with the use of a 3”PVC liner. This technique Uses a 4.5” casing to continually case the boring while retrieving a 3”x5’ PVC liner.

• A probe will complete a boring with standard macro tube PVC liners 2” diameter core.

• A drill rig will complete a similar boring via split spoon method.

• A discussion table where we can lay different core samples out will be the focus of a logging comparison. 

INSTRUCTOR:

Mark Schock is a licensed driller with Glacier Drilling in Durham, CT has been involved in the environmental/geotechnical drilling field for 25 years. Mark has been personally operating a sonic drill since purchased in April of 2011. He has presented sonic drilling presentations and demonstrations to Tufts University, UCONN students, HRP Associates, and Klienfelder. Mark will be the principal presenter of the program with assistance from Glacier Drilling staff.