Ground Investigation
Window Sampling
ADP are specialists in window and windowless sampling, with a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment and a team of specialist operators.
The equipment
Explore our window sampling rigs
We deploy our window sampling equipment across three access platforms - a tracked Dando Terrier, a low-ground-pressure ATV rig and a floating pontoon for over-water work - plus handheld kit for the tightest, foot-access sites. Select a platform to see how we'd approach your site.
Dando Terrier (Tracked)
Crawler-mounted for the most arduous site access
Access & power
Sampling & testing
The Dando Terrier site investigation, sampling and geotechnical drilling rig has been designed specifically for sampling and testing for geotechnical and environmental analysis. Crawler-mounted for easy site access in the most arduous conditions. Simple to operate and extremely reliable.
The Terrier rig is powered by a diesel engine and is fitted with a spark arrestor and chalwyn valve. The rig is capable of sampling to 10m depth and can insert temporary casing to support boreholes as they are drilled. Boreholes can be drilled in sufficient diameter to allow installation of 63mm diameter wells. The two piece drop hammer allows for standard penetration tests (SPTs) and also undisturbed sampling (U100s). The Terrier is also capable of heavy and super heavy dynamic probing.
ATV Window Sampler
Low ground pressure for otherwise inaccessible ground
Access
Sampling
ATV window sampling rigs can be deployed on sites that are otherwise inaccessible.
With the potential to carry all ancillary items onboard, and with a ground pressure of just 170g/cm2, the ATV window sampling rig unlocks even the trickiest of sites!
Pontoon-Mounted (Over Water)
Window sampling over water from a stable floating deck
Platform
Sampling
Where a site sits over water - a river, lake, dock or flooded ground - our window sampling rig is deployed from a modular floating pontoon, giving a stable, edge-protected working deck out on the water.
The same tracked sampler and sampling methods are used from the pontoon as on dry land, so sampling positions that would otherwise be unreachable can be investigated safely.
Sampling
Window / windowless sampling
Windowless sampling barrels between 86mm and 116mm diameter contain plastic liners to retain soil samples. The use of a plastic liner allows for excellent presentation of high quality samples.
In-situ geotechnical testing
SPT - Standard Penetration Testing, weight of 63.5kg is dropped over a calibrated distance of 760mm, the number of blows taken to drive the sampler over a set distance is recorded.
DPT - Dynamic Probe Testing, weight of 50kg is dropped over a calibrated distance of 500mm, the number of blows taken to drive a sacrificial cone over a set distance is recorded.
U100/U70 - Undisturbed samples with either thin walled (class 1) or standard undisturbed sample barrels can be taken with the rig.
Well installation
Boreholes can be drilled in sufficient diameter to allow 50/63mm monitoring well installations, or 19/25mm piezometer installations.
Handheld
Using handheld equipment on restricted access sites
Handheld window sampling is a compact and lightweight alternative for obtaining soil samples in clear plastic liners.
Handheld window sampling can be used in virtually any situation where a driller can obtain access on foot; making the system ideal for investigation work on restricted access sites where larger soil sampling rigs cannot be used.
Windowless sampling barrels are driven in to the ground (in the same way a window or dynamic sampling rig would) with the use of a hydraulic jackhammer (JCB Beaver Pack), this system is lightweight and manoeuvrable as well as being relatively non-intrusive (in comparison with a larger rig).
In-hole tooling and sample barrels are extruded from the ground using a hydraulically powered jack, allowing depths in order of 5-8m to be achieved (dependant on strata).
In their words
What our clients say
I just wanted to pass on my thanks for a great job. I have spoken with our site engineer and she was very impressed with the crews that were on site. The job has been completed in record time and to a high standard, with no H&S incidents!
Window sampling FAQs
Reaching the sites other rigs can't - and getting there.
Can you work on restricted-access, low-headroom or difficult sites?
Yes - it is one of our strengths. Our tracked window sampling rigs are light, low-ground-pressure and manoeuvrable, so they reach gardens, basements, embankments, live highways and soft or sensitive ground with minimal disturbance. Our Norcar tracked telehandlers move plant and materials across rough or waterlogged terrain almost without leaving a mark, and we can hand-work equipment into positions a wheeled rig would never reach. If access is the problem, talk to us early and we will usually find a way in.
How do you get rigs to remote or difficult sites?
We run our own fleet of LGVs and plant trailers, so we deliver our own rotary rigs and support plant anywhere in the UK and mainland Europe, and arrive on site when we say we will. Owning the transport means we are not waiting on third-party haulage and can react quickly when programmes move.
Got a restricted-access site?
Tell us about the ground and the access, and we'll recommend the right window sampling approach.
Get a quote