A multi-purpose platform for horizontal subsurface investigation

Site characterization using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) can provide an effective means of evaluating the geotechnical and geoenvironmental characteristics of sites with limited access such as beneath structures, roads, and runways. The Smart Subsurface Horizontal Investigation Probe (SSHIP) is an innovative platform capable of investigating the geotechnical and geoenvironmental properties along a horizontal alignment by combining an array of miniature sampling tubes and a logging tool. The device is controlled from the surface and can transmit data in real-time over a distance of up to 300 m. The results of bench-scale tests aimed at evaluating the usefulness of two miniature sensors, a miniature resistivity probe (MRP) and a miniature cone penetrometer (MCPT), for various soil conditions, are presented. Combining sampling, logging, and real-time communication capabilities, the SSHIP supports exciting new potential applications in the areas of geotechnical and geoenvironmental site investigations.