Diamond-tipped core barrel and method of using same

摘要

A relatively large diameter core barrel has a plurality of diamond cutting elements disposed around the circumference of its working end for drilling piles in very hard ground, such as metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks. Each cutting element is designed for quick and simple replacement in the field. The cutting elements are of diamond composition, and provide a substantially flat cutting face for cutting principally through abrasion at the interface of the cutting element and the hard ground to be drilled.PPPiles are constructed using the diamond- tipped core barrel by first drilling an annular kerf in the ground. Circulating drilling fluid cools the diamond cutting elements and washes cuttings from the kerf during drilling. The drilled core may be removed, or it may remain in situ, with the kerf being filled by cementitious material or by a structural steel casement to form a very strong pile.