Professor Mullins has conducted valuable, independent research in the use of base grouting for drilled shafts.

The Casagrande C7 drill is designed to tackle larger projects. 

Thousands of water supply wells are drilled every year. Some of these wells are drilled for individual homeowners, new subdivisions or municipalities. The wells may also be drilled for a water source for industrial use or irrigation. 

Geotechnical construction contractor Hayward Baker (HB) received the Keystone Award from the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis (AGC). 

As discussed in last month’s article “Proper Grouting Protects Your Loop, Safeguards Groundwater,” grouting a geothermal borehole serves three vital purposes: to seal the hole/protect the ground loop, to protect groundwater from possible contamination and to improve thermal conductivity. 

Grouting the borehole for many first-time installers is a steep learning curve. At best, it is time consuming; at worst, the borehole can be ruined! Drilling contractors typically spend the majority of their research time on the drilling and assume the grouting will be simple compared to drilling the borehole. While this premise is generally correct, grouting still requires the correct setup with the right equipment, mix and training.