Versatility is Key for 3230DT

From rock coring at a ski resort, to performing CPT for liquefaction analysis for a new performing arts center, to locating an abandoned mine tunnel, Applied Geotechnical Engineering Consultants in Sandy, UT, continues to test the limits of their Geoprobe® 3230DT.

Versatility remains at the forefront of Ben Coray’s comments about the combo rig. Ben, who is the Exploration Manager for AGEC, says the ability and the willingness of Geoprobe® engineers to think outside the box with respect to customizing their products remains important to him. “Fitting their products to meet our unique needs in the geotechnical drilling arena is important,” Ben said.

Recently, AGEC used the 3230DT to investigate backfill material surrounding an existing office tower in Salt Lake City. The area of investigation was in a landscape planter that had been excavated 6-ft. below grade. Surrounding the planter was an area covered by a second story concrete plaza, except for a small opening above the planter. To gain access for the rig, the planter was filled with large Geofoam blocks. “We maneuvered the 3230DT onto the blocks so the mast could be raised through the opening in the upper level deck,” Ben explained. “The project had an extra layer of complexity in that our work had to be performed overnight as to not disturb the building’s occupants.”

Last fall AGEC was asked to locate an abandoned mine tunnel below a new hotel project in the Wasatch mountain range east of Salt Lake City. They used a 5-in. diameter ODEX rotary hammer to advance a casing at several locations until the tunnel was found. Ben said they inserted a camera to view the condition of the tunnel. “We saw timbers and other items that were likely over 100 years old. This was a very unique and interesting project,” he said.