Unique combination of probing and vibration meets great need among foundation and probing companies

The demand from the market for good quality sounding machines and the ability to face difficult geology is increasing. One reason why Eijkelkamp SonicSampDrill and GeoPoint Systems joined forces in 2018. Under the name Eijkelkamp GeoPoint SoilSolutions, they are working on innovations that increase soil testing capabilities.

When asked how the collaboration came about at the time, Rutger van Goethem, Sales Manager at Royal Eijkelkamp, answers, "Together we developed a unique concept to integrate probing into a 150Hz sonic drilling system. The 'Dutch Cone', or sounding cone, is a Dutch invention that is being used more and more worldwide." Meanwhile, Eijkelkamp GeoPoint is one of the largest manufacturers of these cones. In addition to CPT cones, they now also build CPT machines. "We want to be innovative and competitive and offer smart solutions that others haven't thought of. We have developed a whole line of probing machines, first focusing on machines that combine drilling and probing. Then we made a small version and last October we started developing the really big CPT machines, the first of which have been sold and have now been delivered."

Small but fine

By developing the small variant, Eijkelkamp has carved out a niche in the market. Few alternatives are available. Van Goethem: "It is a well-known problem; buildings in Amsterdam, for example, that are so crooked because of a falling groundwater table. Foundations are also affected by this and have to be replaced. We have specially developed these smaller sounding machines for that purpose. So compact that the machine fits through a door, or can even be easily disassembled and reassembled. This makes it possible to probe in a basement."

Innovative

"By listening to market demands and thinking out-of-the-box, we create innovative products. We also pay a lot of attention to the quality of our products, the look and feel, and we make it easier to maintain our machines. With the combined machines (drilling and probing in one), such as the SonicCPT and the Drill'n CPT, we continue to develop so that our customers can work even more efficiently. In difficult geology, for example, 150Hz sonic vibrations make it possible to push the cone through hard layers or to place a casing tube over the CPT so that it can go even deeper. Moreover, the high-frequency vibrations can also be used to stab a very nice soil sample of high quality. This is not really possible or cumbersome with a normal sounding machine. So good news for geotechnical companies specialized in foundation research, the mining industry, CPT and drilling companies."

Customer and future-oriented

Currently, Eijkelkamp is busy building the BC100 (Boxed CPT Crowler) and four other large CPT Crawlers. "By using good quality components, making maintenance easier, providing excellent service and being able to supply various drive technologies, we unburden the customer so they can keep the focus on what they do best," Van Goethem concludes.