Which type of drill is typically used for soft ground formations?

The use of an auger drill is particularly well-suited for soft ground formations due to its design and functionality. Auger drills utilize a helical screw blade, or auger, which effectively removes soil and sediments as it is rotated into the ground. This makes them particularly effective in soft ground conditions where the material is less dense and easier to displace.

In soft formations, the auger's design minimizes disturbance to the surrounding soil and allows for a more efficient drilling process compared to other types of drills. The continuous screw action of the auger can bring material to the surface without the need for excessive force, which is particularly important in fragile or unconsolidated materials. This helps ensure that the integrity of the hole is maintained and reduces the risk of collapse while drilling.

While rotary drills can also work well in soft ground, they are generally more effective in harder formations where a more powerful drilling action is needed. Soil augers are similar in mechanism to auger drills but are often used for sampling rather than continuous drilling, while percussion drills are designed for harder, more compacted materials, making them less effective in soft ground formations.