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ASTM D6286-12

Standard Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environmental Site Characterization

Standard Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environmental Site Characterization D6286-12 ASTM|D6286-12|en-US Standard Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environmental Site Characterization Standard new BOS Vol. 04.09 Committee D18
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Significance and Use

4.1 The selection of particular method(s) for drilling monitoring wells (see Table 1) requires that specific characteristics of each site be considered. These characteristics would include, but are not limited to, the ambient hydrogeologic parameters and conditions existing at the site. This guide is intended to make the user aware of some of the various drilling methods available and the applications, advantages and disadvantages of each with respect to determining groundwater chemistry and other hydrogeologic properties data.

TABLE 1 Well-Drilling Selection Guide

Drilling Method

Drilling
Fluid

Casing
Advance

Type of
Material
Drilled

Typical
Drilling
Depth,
in m (ft)A

Typical
Range of
Borehole
Sizes, in
cm (in.)

Samples
ObtainableB

Coring
Possible

Reference
Section

Power auger
(Hollow-stem)

none, water, mud

yes

soil, weathered rock

<45 (150)

12.7–55 (5–22)

S, F

yes

6.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power auger
(Solid-stem)

water, mud

no

soil, weathered rock

<45 (150)

5–25 (2–10)

s

yes

6.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power bucket auger

none, water (below water table)

no

soil, weathered rock

<45 (150)

45–120 (18–48)

S

yes

6.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hand auger

none

no

soil

<20 (70) (above water table only)

5–15 (2–6)

S

yes

6.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct fluid rotary

water, mud

yes

soil, rock

>300 (1000)

5–90 (2–36)

S, R

yes

7.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct air rotary

air, water, foam

yes

soil, rock

>460 (1500)

5–90 (2–36)

S, R, F

yes

7.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DTH hammer

air, water, foam

yes

rock, boulders

<600 (2000)

10–40 (4–16)

R

yes

7.5.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wireline

air, water, foam

yes

soil, rock

>300 (1000)

7.6–15 (3–6)

S, R, F

yes

7.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reverse fluid rotary

water, mud

yes

soil, rock

<600 (2000)

30–90 (12–36)

S, R, F

yes

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reverse air rotary

air, water, foam

yes

soil, rock

>300 (1000)

30–90 (12–36)

S, R, F

yes

7.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable tool

water

yes

soil, rock

<1500 (5000)

10–60 (4–24)

S, R, F (F–below water table)

yes

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casing-advancer

air, water, mud

yes

soil, rock, boulders

<600 (2000)

5–40 (2–16)

S, R, F

yes

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct-push technology

none

yes

soil

Typical 6-7
(20-25)
Maximum
<30 (100)

3.8–7.6 (1.5–3)

S, F

yes

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sonic (vibratory)

none, water, mud, air

yes

soil, rock, boulders

<150 (500)

10–30 (4–12)

S, R, F

yes

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jet percussion

water

no

soil

<15.0 (50)

5–10 (2–4)

S

no

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jetting

water

yes

soil

<15 (50)

10 (4)

S

no

12

A Actual achievable drilled depths will vary depending on the ambient geohydrologic conditions existing at the site and size of drilling equipment used. For example, large, high-torque rigs can drill to greater depths than their smaller counterparts under favorable site conditions. Boreholes drilled using air/air foam can reach greater depths more efficiently using two-stage positive-displacement compressors having the capability of developing working pressures of 12 to 17 kPa (250 to 350 psi) and 14 to 21 m3/h (500 to 750 cfm), particularly when submergence requires higher pressures. The smaller rotary-type compressors only are capable of producing a maximum working pressure of 6 kPa (125 psi) and produce 14 to 34 m3/h (500 to 1200 cfm). Likewise, the rig mast must be constructed to safely carry the anticipated working loads expected. To allow for contingencies, it is recommended that the rated capacity of the mast be at least twice the anticipated weight load or normal pulling load.
B Soil = S (Cuttings), Rock = R (Cuttings), Fluid = F (some samples might require accessory sampling devices to obtain).

4.2 This guide can be used in conjunction with Guide D6169. There are several guides that deal with individual drilling methods (see Guides D5781, D5782, D5783, D5784, D5872, D5875, and D5876) and how to the complete them for water quality monitoring device installation (see Practice D5092).

Scope

1.1 This guide provides descriptions of various drilling methods for environmental site characterization along with advantages and disadvantages associated with each method discussed. A comprehensive description of these drilling methods can be found in individual ASTM standards, see Section 2. This guide is intended to aid in the selection of drilling method(s) for environmental soil and rock borings and the installation of monitoring wells and other water-quality monitoring devices.

1.2 This guide does not address methods of well construction, well development, or well completion. These topics are covered in other ASTM documents, see Section 2.

1.3 This guide cannot address all possible subsurface conditions that may occur such as, geologic, topographic, climatic, or anthropogenic. Site evaluation for engineering, design, and construction purposes is addressed in Guide D420.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Because dimensions of materials used in the drilling industry are given in inch-pound units by convention, rationalized inch-pound units also are used in this guide. Each system of units is to be regarded separately as standard.

1.5 This guide does not specifically address methods of lithologic sample collection, such as coring, that may require the use of a specific drilling method. Other ASTM guides should be consulted for sampling methods (see Guide D6169) and equipment necessary for specific projects.

1.6 This guide does not purport to comprehensively address all of the methods and the issues associated with drilling for environmental purposes. Users should seek qualified professionals for decisions as to the proper equipment and methods that would be most successful for their site investigation. Other methods may be available for drilling and qualified professionals should have flexibility to exercise judgment as to possible alternatives not covered in this guide. The guide is current at the time of issue, but new alternative methods may become available prior to revisions; therefore, users should consult with manufacturers or producers prior to specifying program requirements.

1.7 Pertinent guides addressing specific drilling methods, equipment and procedures are listed in 2.1. A comprehensive list of guides, methods, practices, and terminology for drilling is contained in Guide D5730. Other documents covering procedures for environmental site investigations with specific objectives or in particular geographic settings may be available from federal, state, and other agencies or organizations. The appropriate agency or organization should be contacted to determine the availability and most current edition of such documents.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education and experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

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Book of Standards Volume: 04.09
Developed by Subcommittee: D18.21
Pages: 17
DOI: 10.1520/D6286-12
ICS Code: 13.080.99; 73.100.30