Geotechnical Drilling and Sampling Services from
Boreholes to Water Wells

SOCOTEC UK is committed to supplying highly trained and well-motivated crews to carry out Geotechnical, Environmental, Remediation and all types of drilling services.

Our aim is to represent our clients to the highest standard possible and in turn ensure that our client's reputation is safe in our hands. As a versatile company, we have a wide range of experience in our field of work, and with the variety of mini tracked machines we have available, we’re able to cover a wide range of drilling techniques.

We can take a leading role in organising and implementing all types of contracts, covering sites across the whole of the UK along with various sites across Europe.

What is drilling and sampling? 

Boreholes allow exploration of the ground to reveal the sequence of strata, take samples for inspection and laboratory testing, carry out in-hole testing, and installation of monitoring devices.

Various methods and types of equipment are available to suit the depth of investigation, ground conditions, types of sampling and testing. Plus a range of different drilling rigs and techniques can be supplied to deal with operational limitations due to access, confined space, working on slopes, over-water, emission controls. Our near-shore or overwater marine ground investigation services can work in water depths up to approximately 25m subject to site conditions.

How can SOCOTEC support you with drilling and sampling? 

Our trained and experienced field operatives hold recognised working certifications including: CSCS, BDA, NVQ, First Aid and SSSTS.  

Field data is captured using our in-house data management mobile application, SILAS. This ensures that all the necessary information from boring, drilling and trial pitting, for example, is recorded by the operator in the app, which includes various data validations during entry. The data is sent to our main server database and can be accessed from any network device via our Intranet web service. The system works in an AGS4 environment so that the data can be readily exchanged with other users.

In-situ bioremediation

Bioremediation is a treatment that uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances. SOCOTEC UK has been involved with Ii- situ bioremediation projects for the last 8 years, working closely with remediation companies to offer the perfect solution for deploying a range of different products into the ground.

As in-situ remediation designs vary greatly with each site SOCOTEC UK has developed some bespoke equipment that can be used with commercially available equipment to enable us to offer our clients the most cost-effective solution for each individual site. Find out more about our equipment: 

• Direct Push – Bio Unit, Bio Tec, Terrier Bio
• ISCO Stainless Steel Trailer
• Mobile Remediation Plant
• Pre Injection Caps/Packer Injections

Sonic drilling

SOCOTEC UK offers the following sonic drilling services:

• Compact sonic
• Large rotary sonic

Vacuum excavation

Vacuum excavation is a system that allows material after loosening to be sucked up into a collection tank. As the hole slit trench is created, the soil is generally broken up for vacuum by an air spade which works very well in none cohesive materials or by hydropower. In cohesive materials, the system can expose existing pipes and cables without the risk of any damage. After removal, the spoil is simply tipped into a skip or area provided. 

Geothermal drilling

It is possible to use a Ground Source heat pump to harness environmentally friendly - and more importantly - renewable energy that is stored in the ground. By having a GSHP system you are able to provide an energy-efficient heating system suitable for many building types.

How do they work?

A borehole will be drilled typically to at least 100m but varies on each project specification. Once the borehole has been drilled to the required depth a 32 or 40mm loop is lowered into the borehole and sealed with a geothermal grout. The loop is then connected via a manifold to the Heat pump, water with antifreeze is then circulated by the pump through the loop absorbing energy from the ground. The energy that has been absorbed by the loop is then converted into heat by the pump.

SOCOTEC UK works closely with manufacturers of heat pumps and geothermal loops and has a vast range of equipment to drill open or closed borehole loops dependant on each individual specification. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to discuss a project. 

Water wells

SOCOTEC UK has been installing water wells all over England for several years now for a wide range of clients, from major industrial sites to farms and even boreholes for domestic supplies. With water prices rising constantly, now might be the time to consider having your own water supply. 

Our crews are highly trained and highly motivated to install to a high specification on any site from 10-150m.

SOCOTEC UK will use various drilling techniques dependant on your requirements and soil conditions to provide a cost-effective solution. The borehole will be drilled to the required depth and a borehole liner will be installed with special care taken to place an appropriate filter and seal around the casing to ensure your borehole is productive and long-lasting.

We have extensive knowledge of UK ground conditions and we offer a free no-obligation quote to have your own water supply.

Overwater work

SOCOTEC UK has now completed a number of projects while working over water using a wide range of our rigs and pontoon systems.

We have worked over water with our window sampler, Comacchio rigs and even our Sonic rig has been used to successfully sample over 40m of sediment. 

We are able to mount various pieces of equipment on our pontoon system including our window sampler or hand coring equipment. The pontoon can be fitted with an outboard motor to move between sample locations.