Track Drilling Rigs & Specialized Hole Types
Category : Drilling
Track drilling rigs are the workhorses of subsurface construction, essential in projects ranging from soakaway pits to cavity probing. In this blog, we’ll break down how these rigs function in five major applications and why they’re crucial for industrial and environmental engineering.
1. Earth Hole Drilling: Foundations & Structural Stability
What It Is
Earth holes are basic vertical or angled boreholes drilled into the soil to support construction activities like foundation piers, fencing, and soil sampling.
Why It’s Done
- To inspect subsoil conditions before construction
- To install support structures
- To stabilize slopes and embankments
How Track Rigs Help
- Accurate drilling in confined urban zones
- High maneuverability on uneven terrain
- Efficient soil removal using auger bits
Use Cases
- Road and bridge construction
- Building foundations
- Utility pole installations
2. Soakaway Hole Drilling: Stormwater Management
What It Is
A soakaway hole is a deep vertical shaft filled with gravel or perforated pipes that allows stormwater to percolate into the ground.
Why It’s Done
- To prevent surface flooding
- To manage runoff in low-permeability soils
- To recharge groundwater naturally
How Track Rigs Are Used
- Drilling precise depth (typically 1.5–6 meters)
- Creating diameter-appropriate cavities (300mm to 900mm)
- Avoiding damage to nearby structures
Use Cases
- Residential and commercial drainage
- Green infrastructure projects
- Landscape engineering
3. Anode Hole Drilling: Cathodic Protection Systems
What It Is
An anode hole is a drilled cavity that houses sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems for corrosion protection of buried pipelines or tanks.
Why It’s Done
- To prevent rusting of metal structures underground
- To prolong the lifespan of critical infrastructure
How It Works
- Drill to the required depth (up to 30m)
- Place backfill and anode materials
- Ensure conductive soil contact
Use Cases
- Oil & gas pipelines
- Underground storage tanks
- Utility grids and marine installations
4. Dewatering Well Drilling: Water Table Control
What It Is
A dewatering well removes groundwater from soil to reduce water pressure and allow safe excavation or tunneling.
Why It’s Done
- To prevent cave-ins or water logging during excavation
- To maintain dry and stable construction sites
How Track Rigs Execute This
- Drill to hit the water table
- Insert wellpoints or submersible pumps
- Connect to drainage systems
Use Cases
- Subway and tunnel construction
- Basement and foundation work
- Mining operations
5. Cavity Probing: Subsurface Voids Detection
What It Is
Cavity probing involves drilling small-diameter holes to detect sinkholes, voids, or underground anomalies.
Why It’s Done
- To avoid collapse risks in construction zones
- To map unknown subsurface conditions
How It Works
- Probe holes are drilled at intervals
- Use of sensors or ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
- Often paired with soil sampling
Use Cases
- Pre-construction site assessments
- Land reclamation
- Tunneling and bridge-building