Hydro Dam Investigations

Geotechnical Investigations

Webster Drilling delivers specialised geotechnical drilling services for a wide range of hydro projects across the Pacific, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Our portfolio ranges from small-scale local hydroelectric projects to large-scale regional energy initiatives, demonstrating our capability to handle diverse project requirements.

Our extensive experience in remote and difficult-to-access sites is a key strength. We are adept at operating in challenging environments where traditional drilling methods may be impractical. Our versatile geotechnical equipment includes:

Man-portable rigs: Designed for tight or challenging access sites, these rigs are highly adaptable and suited to environments where space and accessibility are restricted.

Heli-portable rigs: Capable of reaching depths of up to 600 m and equipped with angle-drilling capabilities, these rigs are ideal for conducting detailed investigations in remote areas where conventional transport is not feasible.

Hydraulic/pneumatic Lugeon packers: Available in various sizes.
Pressure grouting, mixing, pumping and testing equipment: High-shear and high-pressure capability.

Our comprehensive range of services and expertise includes:

Project Management: We efficiently manage multi-rig investigation scopes, ensuring coordinated operations and adherence to project timelines and objectives.

Heli-portable and Remote Operations: Our teams are skilled in conducting drilling operations in remote and difficult-to-access locations, utilising specialised equipment to overcome logistical challenges.

Lugeon Packer Testing: We perform this crucial testing to assess rock permeability, providing essential data for evaluating water flow and rock integrity.

Piezometer Installations: Our expertise in installing piezometers allows for accurate measurement of groundwater levels and pressure, providing crucial information for understanding subsurface conditions.

Pressure and Curtain Grouting Trials: We conduct these trials to improve ground stability and reduce water ingress, helping ensure the structural integrity of the project site.

Angle Holes: We are experienced in drilling angle holes to reach specific subsurface targets or provide critical data from non-vertical orientations.

Downhole Surveying and Core Orientation: Downhole surveying and core orientation provide precise geological data and enhance the quality and reliability of our core samples.

250m of HQ drilling and Packer Testing across 5 boreholes using our HPP-150m people portable rig to access boreholes on an undeveloped site.
Project completed ahead of schedule, with excellent quality samples and data.

Remote heli-portable geotechnical drilling and Pneumatic packer testing for a Hydropower feasibility study on the Purari River, Gulf province, PNG. All boreholes were Heli-portable, with crew access via both helicopter or boat on the Purari river.

5 Rigs of various sizes were utilized to achieve 2000m of HQ/NQ core drilling and packer testing across 57 highly remote boreholes.

1100m of drilling and Packer Testing across 15 boreholes
A challenging job which required various drilling techniques to over come alluvial gravels and boreholes >200m depth with lost circulation.

In 2011 and 2013, the investigation process was conducted in two phases. This work involved drilling investigation boreholes, performing packer tests, and installing piezometers. Additionally, investigation boreholes were necessary in the middle of the Tina River, where a scaffolding was constructed to support our HPP-150m for these investigations.

Two phases of investigations completed in Papua New Guinea during 2011 and 2014. Works included deep investigation boreholes, Packer testing, Piezometers and an extensive Grout Injection / Consolidation trial.

324m of HQ Core and Packer Testing and Piezometers across 5 boreholes for an agricultural Hydro Scheme. Completed in 2013.

1100m of drilling and Packer Testing in two phases across 20 remote Heli-portable boreholes. Completed 2004 & 2006.