Geotechnical drilling
What lies below foundation level? We drill to the depth your project needs, log and sample the soil and rock, carry out SPT during drilling and test the samples in our laboratory.
Get a QuoteRead the guide
We carry out geotechnical drilling to establish how the ground changes with depth. During drilling we take soil and rock samples, log and photograph the cores, and test the samples in our laboratory. The drilling programme and the interpretation of results are led by our geological engineer, who holds a PhD in geotechnical engineering.
What we test
| Test | Standard | Where | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geotechnical drilling with soil and rock sampling | — | Field | Soil and rock samples and cores |
| Standard penetration testing (SPT) during drilling | — | Field | SPT results on the borehole logs |
| Boxing, photographing and logging of cores | — | Field | Borehole logs and core box photographs |
| Total core recovery (TCR), solid core recovery (SCR) and RQD | — | Field | Rock quality values on the borehole logs |
| Description and classification of soils | TS EN ISO 14688-2:2018 | Field + lab | Soil descriptions and classification on the logs |
| Groundwater observations during drilling | — | Field | Groundwater observations recorded on the logs |
| Laboratory testing of samples: water content, Atterberg limits, grading | TS EN ISO 17892-1:2014+A1:2022 TS EN ISO 17892-4:2016 TS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022 | Lab | Laboratory test reports for the samples |
Why it matters
Surface observations and shallow tests do not always reveal what lies below foundation level. Drilling shows directly the thickness of layers such as fill, clay, marl or rock, the groundwater conditions and the quality of the rock. This information underpins decisions on foundation type, foundation depth and excavation planning.
What you receive
- Borehole logs with soil and rock descriptions and SPT results
- Core box photographs
- Laboratory test reports for the samples taken
- Borehole location plan
What we need from you
- Site plan or drawings showing the planned building or structure
- Type of structure and the planned foundation and excavation depths
- Any number or depth of boreholes, or tests, required by the designer or the specification
- Access for the drilling rig and a clear working area at each borehole location
- Information on buried services and nearby structures at the borehole locations
Frequently asked questions
How many boreholes are needed, and how deep do they go?
It depends on the project requirements and the site conditions. We plan the number, depth and location of the boreholes with you; depths are typically 20–60 m and can go beyond 100 m where the project requires.
How long does geotechnical drilling take?
It depends on the number and depth of boreholes; we confirm a work programme with your quote. Our field work hours are 08:00–18:00.
Do you also test the samples from the boreholes?
Yes. Cores and samples are logged and stored in core boxes, and we test the samples in our laboratory: water content, Atterberg limits, grading and other tests. You receive the laboratory test reports together with the borehole logs.
How can I check that a report is genuine?
Every report carries a QR code, a report number and a verification code. Anyone can check it on our Verify a Report page.
Guides for this service
- How to read a borehole log: SPT, RQD and core recovery
- Allowable bearing pressure and settlement explained
- Ground in Cyprus: Marl and Expansive Clay
Ask us for a quote for geotechnical drilling; we plan the drilling programme with you to suit your project and site conditions.