Construction Law

4 Boring Techniques for Construction

The act of boring occurs when a person pierces something with “a turning or twisting movement of a tool” to make a hole. In the context of the construction industry, boring involves the drilling of holes into the ground for various purposes, such as determining whether or not the ground at a project site is safe to build on. Boring is typically the first task to be completed on a project site because the foundation must be established before any significant work can take place.

In this brief article, the Chattanooga contractor attorneys at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss four different boring techniques utilized in the construction industry. As a contractor, it’s imperative that you are diligent when boring to ensure that your building process can proceed defect-free. If you’ve been accused of defective construction, consult a Chattanooga contractor attorney.

1. Rotary Boring

When you need to penetrate subsoil surfaces composed of rocks and hard pans, rotary boring is your best option. Rotary boring uses a steel tube with a cutting bit crafted from diamond or steel shot. The hard, durable tip can penetrate resistant subsoil surfaces. The bit can also be used to collect subsoil samples that can later be tested to gain a better understanding of the soil composition of the underground layer. This information can then be used to determine if the ground is fit for construction.

2. Percussion Boring

Percussion boring can be used as an alternative to rotary boring. This type of boring involves penetrating the subsoil with recurrent blows from a chisel or bit. Percussion boring also employs the use of water jets to create a slurry that makes boring effortless.

3. Auger Boring

When you need to test the stability of the ground at your project site, and the ground is composed of clay soil or sandy soil, auger boring is the most sensible option. This useful type of boring is effective for testing soil properties at various depths. The process of auger boring starts by holding the auger vertically and twisting it until it penetrates the subsoil layer. The sharp tip of the auger capably moves disruptive materials out of the way, allowing construction professionals to collect multiple soil samples to determine whether or not a site is suitable for construction.

4. Wash Boring

By driving a steel pipe (or casing pipe) into the ground and pumping a high-power stream of water into the steel casing, a wash pipe can be used to displace soil and test for soil composition. This is the process of wash boring, and it’s an appropriate boring technique if your project site is composed of rough and cohesive soil surfaces.

If you would like to speak with a Chattanooga contractor attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.