How Is Geotechnical Drilling Used To Prevent Landslides?

Slope instability and landslides pose significant risks to infrastructure, communities, and the environment.

In order to effectively assess these hazards and design appropriate stabilisation measures, geotechnical drilling plays a crucial role in both identification of risks and the implementation of mitigation measures.

Identification

Geotechnical drilling serves as a primary method for subsurface exploration, allowing engineers and geologists to gain crucial insights into the composition, structure, and properties of the subsurface materials. By drilling into slopes, cliffs, and embankments, samples can be collected for laboratory testing, providing valuable data on soil mechanics, strength, and permeability. This information is essential for assessing the stability of slopes and identifying potential instabilities that could lead to landslides.

Mitigation

Geotechnical drilling is not limited to soil and rock sampling; it also involves the installation of instrumentation to monitor slope movements. Through the strategic placement of inclinometers, piezometers, and tiltmeters, geotechnical engineers can measure changes in slope displacement, pore water pressures, and slope angles. Continuous monitoring using these instruments helps detect early signs of slope instability, allowing for timely intervention and the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Overall, geotechnical drilling plays a vital role in slope stability and landslide assessments, providing essential information for engineers and geologists to evaluate risks and design effective stabilisation measures. Through subsurface exploration, geotechnical instrumentation, and laboratory testing, drilling helps identify potential instabilities, quantify slope stability, and monitor slope movements.

If you are interested in learning more about geotechnical drilling rigs contact the ATROX team at info@atrox.co.nz.

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