Compact Drill Rigs for Urban Site Investigation: SPT in Basements and Restricted Access

Ground investigation in cities rarely happens on open land. Access is narrow, headroom is low, neighbors are close and noise matters. Compact drill rigs were designed for exactly these conditions.

The challenge of urban site investigation

• Narrow gates, stairs and lifts.

• Low headroom in basements and car parks.

• Noise and emission limits near occupied buildings.

• Short working windows.

• Underground services to avoid.

SPT in the European framework

In Europe, ground investigation is framed by Eurocode 7 (EN 1997), and the Standard Penetration Test is covered by ISO 22476-3 (EN ISO 22476-3). The standard drop is a 63.5 kg hammer from 76 cm. Always check the current editions and national annexes for your project.

Why compact rigs fit

• Small footprint that passes through standard openings and works in low spaces.

• Faster setup, which saves time on short jobs.

• Lower disturbance to the site and neighbors.

• Crew of fewer people.

What to check before choosing a compact rig

1. Overall dimensions and weight compared with your typical access.

2. Minimum working height.

3. Power source (see our article on electric vs. diesel rigs).

4. CE marking and documentation for your country.

5. Spare parts and technical support in Europe.

Planning an urban investigation? Talk to Diamond Drill about the SLP 100E and SLP 160E compact SPT rigs.