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Drilling, Sampling & Field Investigation

Soil borings, rock coring, split-spoon SPT sampling, Shelby tube sampling, pavement coring, and groundwater monitoring under PE direction.

Field Capabilities

Subsurface Investigation & In-Situ Sampling

MSET plans and executes subsurface exploration programs to gather site-specific soil, rock, and groundwater data. Drilling methods and sampling intervals are configured for project load requirements, site geology, and access constraints.

Subsurface capabilities include truck-mounted and track-mounted drill rigs for standard and limited-access terrain. All field samples are secured under chain-of-custody protocols for laboratory testing.

Field investigations support geotechnical engineering design, environmental soil/groundwater screening, pavement rehabilitation, and forensic subsurface reviews.

Shoreline drilling investigation Track-mounted drill rig on site
Field Execution Standards

We support geotechnical drilling with the right combination of methods for your site, scope, and access conditions. Let us know what you need, and our team will select the appropriate approach for a dependable investigation.

2005 Year established
IL · WI · IN Service locations
Capabilities

What We Can Do in the Field

Boring

Boring Programs

Boring layout and depth designed by PE to match structure type, loading conditions, and project budget.

Sampling

Shelby Tube & Rock Core Sampling

Undisturbed Shelby tube sampling for laboratory strength and consolidation testing. NX rock coring for competent rock characterization and RQD logging.

Direct Push

Geoprobe Direct Push

Soil sampling, groundwater screening, and rapid environmental assessment using direct push technology. Economical for environmental screening and shallow investigations.

Pavement

Pavement Coring

Asphalt and concrete pavement core extraction for thickness measurement, laboratory testing, and condition assessment. Used for rehabilitation design and forensic investigation.

In-Situ

In-Situ Testing

Field vane shear testing where site conditions call for it. Direct measurement of soil properties rather than sample-based lab correlation.

Water

Groundwater & Well Installation

Temporary piezometer and groundwater observation well installation for water level monitoring, stabilized groundwater measurement, and environmental sampling.

Our Process

Program Design Through Sample Delivery

01

Program Design

PE designs boring layout, depths, and methods based on site conditions, structure type, and project requirements. Review of available boring records and regional geology included.

02

Utility Clearance

JULIE / Digger’s Hotline notification and on-site utility marking before drilling. Private utility locate recommended for sites with suspect underground infrastructure.

03

Mobilization

Truck- or track-mounted drill rig deployed to site based on access requirements. Track rigs selected for limited-access locations, soft terrain, and off-pavement drilling without pavement damage.

04

Drilling & Sampling

SPT testing at standard intervals with split-spoon sampling. Continuous monitoring of drilling resistance, groundwater, and soil changes throughout the boring program.

05

Field Logging

Detailed boring logs completed in the field by trained technicians under PE direction. Soil descriptions per USCS / ASTM D2488. Groundwater levels recorded and reported.

06

Laboratory Transfer

Samples logged, labeled, and transported to our AASHTO-accredited South Elgin laboratory with full chain of custody. Test program developed by the reviewing PE.

Equipment & Methods

Drilling Methods We Use

Auger

Hollow Stem Auger

Standard method for soil borings in unconsolidated material. Maintains borehole integrity while allowing SPT sampling and Shelby tube sampling within the auger stem.

Rotary

Rotary Mud Drilling

Fluid-circulation method for deep borings, rock sockets, and caving formations where auger methods are not practical. Required for NX rock coring programs.

Pavement

Pavement Coring

Rotary core drilling for asphalt and concrete samples. Used for pavement thickness measurement, condition assessment, and rehabilitation design.

Rock

Rock Coring

Rotary core drilling for bedrock samples. Used for rock quality designation (RQD) logging and socket bearing verification.

Field Program Deliverables

What You Receive

Our field investigation deliverables document conditions as found: in detail, under PE direction, ready for engineering analysis.

Boring location plan and site sketch
Field boring logs with SPT blow counts
USCS soil descriptions (ASTM D2488)
Groundwater observations and stabilized levels
Rock core photographs and RQD logging (if applicable)
Chain of custody documentation for all samples
Sample delivery to our AASHTO-accredited laboratory
Geotechnical report (when full scope is engaged)
Project Types

Who We Work With

Our field programs serve public agencies, design engineers, environmental consultants, and private developers across the region.

IDOT roadway and structure investigations
Municipalities and county highway departments
Commercial and industrial building investigations
Residential subdivision and multi-family development
General contractors needing confirmation borings
Bridge and retaining wall structure investigations

Need a Boring Program? Let’s Talk.

Tell us about your site and project type. We’ll develop the right scope and coordinate mobilization for a PE-directed investigation.

Submit an Inquiry Scheduling: (331) 327-0505

Other Services

Foundation & Subsurface Engineering

PE-sealed geotechnical reports, foundation design parameters, slope stability, and IDOT geotech deliverables.

On-Site QA/QC Inspection

Earthwork monitoring, concrete and asphalt testing, and construction inspection under PE direction.

Laboratory Services

AASHTO-accredited soils, asphalt, aggregate, and concrete testing. Subcontract lab available.