Building on past technological advancements, Royal Eijkelkamp supplied its state-of-the-art sonic drilling technology for an ambitious 2024 project focused on foundation work and micropile drilling for a new power plant.
This large-scale, multi-million-dollar project has been carried out under extreme conditions, with a dynamic job site bustling with mega machines and continuous material deliveries. The LRS 275 sonic drilling rig played a pivotal role in meeting the project's demanding requirements, delivering precision, speed, and efficiency in challenging ground conditions.
The project's core challenge was stabilising terrain that was naturally unsuitable for construction. The ground was strengthened by mixing soil with cement to form a solid 30m thick layer. Once the layer dried, Sonic drills were deployed to drill micropiles to a depth of 50m. Each hole was reinforced with an anchor and filled with grout. This created a strong foundation for the power plant.
Royal Eijkelkamp's sonic drilling technology ensured smooth execution, minimising deviation and maximising production. By optimising drilling operations, significant project timeline reductions were achieved while maintaining the highest quality standards. The impact of this technological advancement was twofold: increased productivity and a substantial reduction in operational costs.
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Efficiency gains: more work in less time
A key outcome of this collaboration has been enhanced efficiency. By integrating sonic drilling technology, higher productivity was achieved with fewer resources. In this particular ground, it was possible to eliminate several steps in the drilling process to enable faster and cleaner boreholes.
For large-scale infrastructure projects, these efficiency gains translate into tangible benefits: shorter project durations, cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and optimised resource allocation. These advantages highlight sonic drilling's role in enhancing efficiency and precision in geotechnical projects.
The future of sonic drilling: LRS 275 True 150Hz and beyond
Royal Eijkelkamp continues to push the boundaries of drilling technology with the LRS 275 True 150Hz sonic drilling rig. Designed for versatility and high performance, this advanced rig operates seamlessly across diverse applications. In response to growing market demand, Royal Eijkelkamp is introducing the True 150Hz 50K LRS 275 Terramac-mounted sonic drill. This cutting-edge machine features a 6m (20ft) stroke and a fingerboard capable of handling 6m (20ft) pipes—completely hands-free from drill head to fingerboard, eliminating the need for a winch.
An upcoming innovation to watch is the "Terramac ‘n Grab", which enhances safety by enabling hands-free operation. This development marks the next step in sonic drilling safety, catering to Tier 1 clients seeking efficiency and risk reduction on job sites.
Another major advantage of Royal Eijkelkamp's rigs is that they do not require annual sonic head refurbishments, reducing operational expenditures while exceeding client reliability expectations.
Conclusion
Sonic drilling technology has made big steps in the last 30 years. It is a proven drilling technology for site investigation and installation in many infrastructure projects.
Royal Eijkelkamp has demonstrated how cutting-edge drilling solutions enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.
As sonic drilling technology continues to evolve, its role in geotechnical engineering will drive further advancements in infrastructure development. Royal Eijkelkamp is setting the standard for the next generation of drilling technology with a strong foundation in innovation and continuous improvement.
