<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Bruce (2003b)<br>Bruce and Juran (1997)<br>Cadden et al. (2004)<br>DFI-ADSC (2002)<br>Gibler et al. (2005)<br>Gomez et al. (2008a, 2008b, 2004)<br>Sabatini et al. (2005)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Typical tasks performed during a drilling inspection include:<br><ul> <li>Record soil log for each hole: this entails maintaining a drilling log for each hole which classifies the drill cuttings, observation of hole cleanout, rate of penetration, and includes elevation of bedrock encountered, strata change, and ground water table.</li> <li>Confirm stability of each hole: the drilling log should confirm the stability of each drilled hole and describe any methods which might be utilized to maintain hole stability. If temporary casing is used, the casing type and length should be recorded. Casing should be accompanied by a coupon for strength testing.</li> <li>Check tolerances: the final depth of the hole, alignment of the hole, angle of the drilling rig, etc. should be recorded.</li> <li>Record drilling rate and other general observations: this includes describing any unusual installation behavior, flush returns, connections, and any deviation from the intended parameters.</li> <li>Location of the piles: an as-built drawing of the site showing the locations of the piles should be included.</li></ul>For projects where limited information is available about the subsurface conditions, maintaining a detailed drilling operation log is especially crucial. For sites with limited information, cuttings can be used to assess in real time whether the encountered soil stratum is suitable for developing the required bond strength. The drilling rate (Measurement While Drilling or MWD) is an invaluable tool that can be used to confirm that the soil encountered during drilling is similar to the soil encountered where other micropiles were installed. Bruce (2003b) provides a thorough explanation of what a proper drilling inspection should address.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Drilling inspection is a powerful quality control method. Drilling inspection records accurately and precisely represent the drilling process as it occurs in the field.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Drilling inspection records are kept for every micropile installed.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Maintaining records is a simple and necessary process.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>Drilling inspection records do not provide actual strength parameters. In general, every hole drilled during micropile installation is an excellent source of information about the ground. Drilling inspection records are used to verify subsurface conditions throughout the project. Drilling inspection records are used to confirm adherence to design specifications and ensure consistent construction methods.</p></p>