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An Inexpensive, Portable System for Drilling into Subsurface Layers
Author(s) -
MacDonald Lee H.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1988.03615995005200060055x
Subject(s) - drilling , geology , auger , terrain , mining engineering , petroleum engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , ecology , biology
Abstract A relatively simple adaptation of rock drilling equipment to a portable two‐man power auger creates an inexpensive device capable of drilling 45‐mm diam. holes through both surface materials and moderately hard rock to a depth of at least 6 m. The equipment is portable and hence ideal for use in rugged terrain, but a local water source is required. The total cost for all the materials, including the power auger and water pump, is estimated at $1500. Drilling rates of 0.01 to 0.10 m min −1 were obtained in moderately hard to hard rocks in the Central Sierra Nevada of California, but the relatively low rotations per minute of a power auger suggest that drilling will be progressively less efficient in harder rocks. Use of this devise should allow more extensive investigations into the role of saprolites, fractured rock, and other subsurface layers in hydrologic and geomorphic processes.