Versatile Methods of Drilling to Bid the Big Jobs

GeoStructures, founded in 2001, accelerated production when they added a Geoprobe^® 7822DT in 2018.

“We went from doing our own projects to subbing and bidding other drilling projects,” Rick Miller, operator, said.

Aiming to compete in all methods of drilling for all phases of geotechnical and environmental drilling, they invested in a 3126GT.

“We were in the market for the 3126GT to reach deeper depths with bigger tooling. We considered several other manufacturers, all of which I have experience operating and know their capabilities,” Miller said. “We decided on the 3126GT for its game-changing features such as the drop rack, blade, tower oscillation, and multi-function drilling capabilities.”

Game-Changing Features

Miller calls out innovations that matter in the field.

• Mast Dump: “Using the outrigger to lift the foot and rod clamp up over a mud tub makes SPT much more efficient and safe. You can also place the controls at a comfortable height.”
• Drop Rack and Blade: “They are a one-of-a-kind feature that is very effective. To place tooling within arm's reach and the ability to grade uneven terrain or clear brush is key to safety and efficiency.”
• Hands-free Rotation and Head Feed: “The auto drill and detent are a key upgrade.”

The biggest surprise?

“The overall speed, power, technology, and efficiency of the machine. The 3126GT is dialed in and wastes no time,” Miller said. “The torque and speed of the 6-speed head is very impressive compared to the 4-speed on the 7822DT.”

Penn Landing Cap Project

GeoStructures put the 3126GT to work on a demanding Department of Transportation (DOT) project.

“We utilized 3-inch spin casing with a tri-cone casing advancer to drill through overburden of 80 to 100 feet of sands and gravel,” Miller said. “Followed by open hole mud rotary with tricone in 50/5< weathered bedrock material to depths of 120 feet. Followed by rock coring with NQ tooling to depth of 175 to 200 feet.”

The 3126GT exceeded their production expectations.

“On this DOT footage job, we were able to complete a 175-foot boring in a day and half,” Miller said. “Our revenue streams more than doubled on this footage job compared to our daily standard rate.”

A Business Transformed through Versatile Methods of Drilling

The 3126GT to perform various methods of drilling expanded their competitive edge.

“It allows us to bid bigger jobs with deeper depths. The versatility and efficiency makes this rig a game changer for us,” Miller said.

He praises the versatility of Geoprobe^® rigs with achieving multiple revenue streams using different drilling methods without skimping on geotechnical prowess.

“This rig has erased all skepticism whether Geoprobe^® rigs can compete in the geotech industry. The 3126GT has asserted itself in the game in a big way,” Miller said. “They have the ability to effectively and efficiently operate traditional geotech tooling such as wireline and casing advancer systems. There’s no job that this rig can’t do.”

Better Life

For Miller, the innovation is also personal.

“The commitment to R&D is why Geoprobe^® continues to evolve and be a leader of innovation in the industry,” Miller said. “I am coming off of a life-changing injury. I shattered my pelvis and broke three vertebrae. This machine, with its user-friendly operation, makes drilling as comfortable and efficient as possible.”