Chapter 3: Field Operations
Anchor: #BGBIEHAISection 1: Drilling
Anchor: #i1008568Overview
Consider the following items before starting core drill operations:
- Anchor: #CWONMIPY
- Core drill equipment Anchor: #NBIPDOBT
- Drill rig Anchor: #PTJNPDJJ
- Site preparation Anchor: #GJELTXCI
- Access Anchor: #PSKTCDVB
- Utility clearance Anchor: #DOFBEDOV
- Traffic control Anchor: #CIKRKXDO
- Barge work Anchor: #UXFVDYHU
- Drill hole filling
Access
Ensure that permission to enter private property has been secured before drilling.
Anchor: #i1010215Utility Clearance
Clear all locations proposed for drilling for utilities before the core drill team arrives. When utilities are present, ensure their exact locations are clearly marked by the utility company.
Call 1-800-545-6005 for utility clearance. Calls to this number automatically rotate to the three notification centers. Obtain utility clearance at least 48 hours and no more than 14 days before starting core drilling. You may contact the three notification centers directly as follows:
- Anchor: #TUFCOTBY
- Texas Excavation Safety System (TESS) 1-800-344-8377 Anchor: #TENPFMWD
- Lone Star Notification Center 1-800-669-8344 Anchor: #GCPJRVKU
- Texas One Call 1-800-245-4545
Traffic Control
Provide traffic control in accordance with Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for approval prior to drilling.
Anchor: #i1010612Drill Hole Filling
Fill or plug drill holes using bentonite pellets or cement bentonite grout to prevent injury to livestock or people in the area and to minimize the entry of surface water into the bore hole. If surface contamination of lower aquifers or cross contamination is a concern, backfill the hole with bentonite pellets or grout. This is especially important in urban areas where ground contamination from leaking underground storage tanks is common. To avoid potential settlement or uplift of pavement core, backfill all borings under existing pavement shall be backfilled with bentonite pellets or cement bentonite grout to a minimum depth of 6 inches below the bottom of pavement structure. Then patch the hole with non-shrink grout to the top of pavement.