Core drilling is a useful technique in construction that is utilised ever since time immemorial. Learn the different uses & applications of core drilling.
Different Applications & Uses of Diamond Core Drilling
1. Different Applications & Uses
of Diamond Core Drilling
Core drilling is a drilling technique designed to remove cylindrically
shaped material from the surfaces such asphalt, rock concrete and
many other materials of interest. The material that is generated from
the drilling endeavour is called the core. Thus, it is termed core drilling.
Stemming from the fact that diamond cutters are popularly used in
drilling concrete, the drills have acquired the name diamond core drills.
However, other elements such as carbide can also be used to drill
softer material such as masonry.
2. As a drilling method, core drilling has been in use for thousands of
years. In fact, ancient Egyptians have utilised this drilling method three
thousand years ago. However, their application does not feature the
wide variety as we have in modern times. Diamond core drilling has
numerous applications in today’s modern era. Some of these
applications are highlighted below.
Mineral Exploration
Mineral exploration has benefited tremendously from this method of
drilling. The main drilling method that is applied in mineral exploration
is the wireline drilling method. This core drilling method favours mineral
explorations because it affords real time analysis of rock composition as
the drill bit bores down.
Geological Studies and Analysis
Geological studies have also benefitted a lot from diamond core drilling.
It is the main method used to collect samples for geological studying
and mapping. Geologists are able to collect samples for analysis and
mapping them fast and efficiently.
3. Pillar, Wall and Slab Strength Analysis
In the construction field, it is very necessary to analyse the strength of
the concrete that will be used to construct walls, pillars and slabs. This
way, the concrete mixture can be adjusted accordingly. In this regard, it
is important to have a clear picture of the whole structure and not just
information about the surface strength.
Diamond core drilling provides contractors with a way of acquiring
samples from the whole length of pillars, slabs or even walls. Since the
core size (diameter and depth) varies, contractors can attain a wide
range of samples for analysis. The rotary method is then used to collect
samples from concrete structures.
Addition of Sanitation Infrastructure
This is another field where core drilling is proven useful. It is common
for most contractors to be contracted to add service pipelines and
sewer lines. To do so, they use the core drilling method to create holes
in walls through which they add the pipes. Diamond core drilling is also
applied in drilling borehole for ground water extraction and drilling of
holes in rocks.
With this wide variety of uses in mind, many contractors usually fancy
owning a core drilling equipment. Considering that you are going to
purchase a diamond core drill, you should have the following factors to
keep in mind when shopping.
The Power of the Drill
There are three motor choices regarding power output. These include
hydraulic, electric and air. You should analyse your needs and choose
accordingly.
4. The Diamond Bit
In purchasing the diamond bit, you should consider the hardness and
the concrete psi. Choose the drill that can perform within the range
that you want.
Drill Depth
This is an important factor to consider when purchasing drill bits. Since
most typical construction core drilling equipment drills up to 1 foot, you
may consider buying barrel bits that drill deeper.
As you can see, core drilling is definitely useful in many fields. But doing
this perilous task absolutely requires extensive knowledge and the right
equipment. Hence, you need to have enough experience and expertise
in operating the equipment if you have to handle the task by yourself.
However, if you are not sure of your skills, seek the help of a specialist
who can work on your project in a precise and professional manner.