Environment First: EL Geotechnical Investigation

Geomech Africa recently successfully completed a demanding geotechnical investigation drilling project in East London, South Africa. The scope of work included drilling a total of 13 boreholes, including seven vertical holes, three inclined holes at 45 degrees, and three inclined holes at 60 degrees. The project was executed throughout the month of June 2024.

Executing this project within the unique environment of a coastal dune forest presented significant challenges. The strict environmental regulations imposed stringent limitations on our operations, necessitating meticulous planning and execution to minimize our impact on the ecosystem. Many drill locations were inaccessible, requiring the construction of access routes and drilling platforms. Throughout the project, our team maintained a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation, working closely with the client to protect local flora and fauna.

Safety was paramount, especially considering three drill positions were located on a narrow roadway. Implementing traffic control measures was essential to protect both the public and our team. To mitigate risks such as theft and vandalism, we optimised drilling operations to complete setup, drilling, and demobilisation within a single day for these specific locations.

The ground conditions also posed challenges. The prevalent loose sands required casing the boreholes to prevent collapse, adding complexity to the drilling process. Despite these obstacles, the Geomech Africa team successfully overcame these challenges through careful planning, expert execution, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

The project was completed without incident or injury, and the valuable geotechnical data has been delivered to the client. This successful project highlights Geomech Africa's ability to deliver exceptional results even in the most challenging environments.