Hollow Stem and Solid Stem Auger Drilling

Hollow Stem and Solid Stem Auger drilling techniques use a drill bit connected to flights of an auger to create an open hole in the ground. The soil is transported to the top of the hole by use of continuous flights of augers. Bulk samples can be obtained from auger cuttings, undisturbed samples can be advanced from the bottom of the hole, and temporary or permanent wells can be set. The drill bits used with auger techniques are ideal for dense, dry soil conditions: those generally cannot penetrate into hard rock, very hard caliche, and soils containing cobbles and boulders.