Geotechnical Drilling for Steel Pole Transmission Structures
Combining Geotechnical Drilling and Engineering Services to Support Electric Transmission Lines Rebuild Project
LaBella Associates was contracted by a confidential utility client that required geotechnical engineering and foundation design to support the design of a large-scale electric transmission line rebuild project in New York’s Hudson Valley. The project involved the evaluation of geotechnical conditions at 45 locations along an 11.5-mile corridor.
All drilling work was completed using a track-mounted, low-impact drill rig to minimize impacts to sensitive natural resources. A total of 45 borings were advanced to a maximum depth of 110 feet below ground surface. Continuous split spoon sampling was performed to a depth of 30 feet and every 5 feet thereafter. Where bedrock was encountered, a minimum of 5 feet of rock core was collected.
Prior to drilling, erosion and sediment control measures were installed and maintained throughout the project. Access to boring locations required extensive matting and temporary bridging in order to traverse wetlands and cross streams, as well as to safely cross a high-pressure natural gas line running parallel to the project in several locations. After completion of drilling, all mats and erosion/sedimentation controls were removed, and work areas were restored.
