Drilling Rigs

Cable Percussion Drilling Rigs UK

Cable percussion drilling rig in operation on a UK site investigation

Cable percussive boreholes are an intrusive investigation method deployed to determine subsurface conditions and soil properties at a development site. Our cable percussion rigs operate across the UK, delivering the geotechnical data needed for foundation design and ground investigation.

Used within both geotechnical and environmental site surveys, cable percussive drilling delivers critical data to guide geotechnical design — particularly foundation design — during pre-planning stages. It also informs the selection of the most appropriate geotechnical and geo-environmental solutions for any proposed construction.

Cable percussive boreholes, also known as "shell & auger" boreholes, represent the most common drilling method deployed in geotechnical site investigations across the UK. They enable a wide range of on‑site testing, including Standard Penetration Testing (SPT), Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), permeability testing, and borehole vane testing.

Most rigs are towed or mounted on Land Rovers and similar 4×4 vehicles, giving access to nearly all terrain. Where space is tight, specialised low‑access rigs are available, or the drilling unit can be placed using a crane. A key advantage over window sample boreholes is depth capability: cable percussion can investigate ground profiles down to 60 m.

Key Features

  • ✓Depth capability up to 60 m
  • ✓SPT, CPT, permeability & vane testing
  • ✓Truck-mounted for easy site access
  • ✓Permanent monitoring instrument installation

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