Types of Test Borings​

Sampling & In-Situ Testing Methods

Auger Borings
​2-1/4 inch Hollow Stem Augers (HSA)
2-1/2 inch Solid Stem Augers (SSA)

Direct Push Borings
3-1/2 inch Casing
​2-3/8 inch Casing

Ledge Probes
2-1/2 inch Solid Stem Augers (SSA)
Direct Push Rods

Standard Penetration Test SPT (Auto-Hammer) 
Thin Walled Tube Sampling (Shelby Tube) 
Field Vane Shear Test
Groundwater Monitoring Wells (1 inch or 2 inch PVC)
​Gravel Punch Sampling (3-1/2 inch surface sample)
Direct Push Soil Liner Sampling (2-3/4 inch or 1-1/2 inch at 5 ft length)

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Our AMS 9500 VTR PowerProbeTM is equipped with both rotary auger head and direct push hammer capabilities, which enable us to perform a variety of explorations.These include hollow stem and solid stem auger borings, direct push borings with casing, and ledge probes with solid stem augers or direct push rods (no sampling). The type of boring and sampling methods chosen for a project are often determined by the site conditions, scope, and budget. 

For most geotechnical explorations, test borings with split spoon test (SPT) sampling are performed to obtain soil samples, geotechnical engineering parameters, and to identify subsurface profiles. Standard penetration tests (SPT) are performed using a 140 lb auto-drop hammer. Test borings are typically logged by a geotechnical engineer using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).