Geoprobe Direct Push Tube Soil Sampling

Geoprobe® Direct Push Technology: Revolutionizing Soil Sampling and Site Investigations in Australia

Direct Push Technology (DPT), powered by Geoprobe drilling rigs, is the gold standard for environmental site investigations in unconsolidated formations. This method combines high production rates, minimal environmental impact, and exceptional sample integrity, making it ideal for soil sampling, groundwater testing, and advanced site characterization.

Legion Drilling is Australia’s largest operator of Geoprobe® rigs, with a fleet of eight machines strategically deployed along the east coast in Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville. Having operated on thousands of sites across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, we offer unparalleled expertise in direct push drilling solutions.

Why Choose Geoprobe® for Soil Sampling?

1. Direct Push Tube Systems for High-Integrity Sampling
   The DT325 and DT35 direct tube soil sampling systems from Geoprobe® enable the rapid collection of continuous, intact soil core samples. These systems utilize dual rods, ensuring the bore is fully cased during sampling. This prevents cross-contamination and protects against bore collapse, delivering reliable and accurate results in even the most challenging conditions.

   The dual tube core sampling system combines a cutting shoe, sheath, and sample retainer, ensuring efficient recovery of samples across diverse formations, from plastic clays to saturated sands.

2. Multi-Purpose Applications
   Geoprobe® rigs excel in various tasks, including:

   • Geoprobe Direct Push Soil Sampling: Collection of undisturbed soil core samples with push tube systems.

   • Groundwater Sampling: Using SP16 samplers for rapid, clean sample collection.

   • Vapour Sampling: Reliable testing for soil gas and volatile compounds.

   • Remedial Amendments: Precision injection of solutions such as ISCO and activated carbon (e.g., BOS 200®).

   • Well Installation: Pre-packed wells installed efficiently with minimal disturbance.

3. Small Environmental Footprint
   Direct push systems generate minimal investigation-derived waste (IDW) as they avoid drill cuttings, making them an environmentally responsible option.

4. Accessibility
   Compact Geoprobe® rigs can operate on sites with limited access, such as building interiors, car parks, and confined urban spaces.

Why Direct Push Soil cores are superior to sampling from Augers.

While auger drilling is a traditional method for environmental investigations, it often falls short in delivering representative soil samples, especially in sensitive or challenging conditions. Key issues include:

• Cross-Contamination: Auger drilling exposes the borehole to potential contamination from adjacent soil layers, compromising sample integrity.

• Drill Cuttings: Augers generate significant volumes of cuttings, which require costly disposal as investigation-derived waste (IDW).

• Bore Collapse: In unconsolidated formations, augers may destabilize the borehole, leading to collapsed sections and reduced sampling reliability.

• Disturbed Samples: Auger drilling can disturb the soil structure, making it unsuitable for applications requiring high-resolution data or undisturbed samples.

Limitations of Direct Push Soil core Sampling.

While direct push technology offers numerous advantages, there are limitations to consider:

• Depth Restrictions: Geoprobe® rigs typically achieve maximum depths of 10-15 in Australian condidions, making them unsuitable for deeper investigations.

• Hard Formations: DPT is less effective in hard, consolidated formations where augers or other rotary methods may be required.

• Sample Recovery in Cohesive Soils: In extremely dense or cohesive soils, sample recovery may require additional effort or specialized equipment.

Despite these limitations, DPT remains the preferred approach for most soil sampling and environmental investigations in unconsolidated media, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution. Geoprobe direct push sampling has been the industry standard on Australian site Investigations for over 20 years.

Legion Drilling: Australia’s Leader in Geoprobe® Direct Core Sampling

With eight Geoprobe® rigs operating full-time along Australia’s east coast, Legion Drilling sets the benchmark for direct push soil sampling for contaminated land investgiations. Our extensive experience and advanced equipment make us the go-to provider for projects requiring high-quality soil sampling, site characterization, and remedial solutions.

Contact us today to discover how Legion Drilling’s Geoprobe expertise can optimize your contaminated site investigations.