Subsurface Investigation for Stable, Lasting Foundations
Geotechnical Drilling
Successful construction begins below the surface. O’Keefe Drilling provides geotechnical drilling and subsurface investigation services across Montana and the surrounding region, delivering accurate soil and groundwater data that supports safe, stable, and well-informed engineering decisions.
Provide project location, anticipated depths, and investigation requirements for a scoped proposal.
The role of
Subsurface Investigation
Foundation performance depends on reliable subsurface data. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to settlement, unstable conditions, or costly changes during construction.
Geotechnical drilling helps identify soil conditions, groundwater behavior, and potential risks before work begins, allowing engineering teams to plan with greater confidence.
Why choose o'keefe
Why O’Keefe for Geotechnical Drilling
Geotechnical drilling requires coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to adjust when conditions change. Borehole integrity, sampling accuracy, and instrumentation alignment all affect the quality of the data collected.
O’Keefe Drilling delivers:
- Experienced crews familiar with engineering-driven drilling programs
- Auger and sonic drilling methods selected based on site conditions
- Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) coordination and soil sampling aligned with project specifications
- Accurate depth control and borehole stability
- Instrument installation performed to specification
- In-house machine shop support for rapid tooling adjustments in the field
When soil conditions vary or access is limited, we adjust methods and tooling to maintain accuracy and keep work progressing.
Geotechnical Drilling Capabilities
Soil Borings & Subsurface Investigation
We perform soil borings and subsurface investigations to support foundation design, infrastructure planning, and structural analysis.
Our work supports:
- Commercial and industrial construction
- Infrastructure and roadway development
- Retaining wall and slope stability analysis
- Site redevelopment and expansion
- Utility and structural foundation planning
Where required, we coordinate Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) and soil classification procedures to provide dependable field data.
We also support multiple soil sampling methods depending on project requirements, including:
- Standard split spoon sampling (SPT)
- California sampling
- Shelby tube sampling
Auto-hammers are calibrated every year to maintain consistent energy delivery and ensure reliable test results.
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Planning a Project?
Planning a project that requires subsurface investigation? We can review your scope and help determine the right approach.
Groundwater Evaluation
Understanding groundwater conditions is critical to structural design and site development.
We help determine:
- Static groundwater depth
- Seasonal groundwater fluctuation
- Hydrostatic pressure conditions
- Influence of groundwater on soil strength
- Dewatering requirements during construction using our pump services
Accurate groundwater data helps engineering teams plan ahead and reduce long-term risk.
Geotechnical Instrumentation Installation
O’Keefe Drilling installs specialty geotechnical instrumentation to support long-term monitoring and structural performance evaluation.
Instrumentation services include:
- Piezometers
- Inclinometers
Installation is completed to project specifications with attention to depth control, seal integrity, and long-term monitoring reliability.
Construction Risk Mitigation
Geotechnical drilling plays a direct role in managing subsurface risk, including settlement, unstable soils, and groundwater-related challenges.
Accurate investigation allows engineering teams to:
- Identify potential settlement concerns
- Plan for variable soil conditions
- Reduce the likelihood of costly design changes
We work alongside engineering teams where precision, documentation, and consistency are expected.
Who This Service Is For
Our geotechnical drilling services support:
- Civil engineering firms
- Structural engineers
- Geotechnical consultants
- Municipal and public agencies
- Commercial and industrial developers
- Infrastructure contractors
We integrate into engineering-led projects where accuracy, documentation, and reliability are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is geotechnical drilling used for?
Geotechnical drilling is used to evaluate subsurface conditions such as soil composition, strength, and groundwater to support engineering design and construction planning.
Do you coordinate Standard Penetration Testing (SPT)?
Yes. We coordinate SPT and soil sampling procedures in accordance with project specifications to support accurate subsurface evaluation.
Do you install geotechnical instrumentation?
Yes. We install piezometers and inclinometers to support long-term monitoring and structural analysis.
How do you ensure borehole accuracy?
We maintain precise depth control, borehole stability, and alignment procedures throughout drilling to support accurate sampling and reliable data.
Can you coordinate directly with engineering teams?
Yes. We work closely with engineers and consultants to ensure drilling programs align with investigation plans, reporting standards, and construction timelines.
O'Keefe Drilling
Related Services
Water Well Drilling
Environmental Drilling
Caisson Drilling
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Planning a Geotechnical Investigation?
If you’re preparing for a site investigation or foundation study, we’re ready to review your project scope and provide a clear path forward.
Share project location, anticipated depths, and investigation requirements to begin the proposal process.