Transport Road through Wetland/Swamp

[geomane]

Have any of you used the soggy bottom sampler system by AMS?

Here is the link:

https://www.ams-samplers.com/hand-t...ampling-kits/soggy-bottom-sampler-system.html

I need to perform some shallow auger borings (5 to 10ft deep) along a proposed roadway alignment through a wetland/swamp area. We are not able to get a rig onsite, and I also don't think we will be able to get our tripod equipment setup on the borings. The next option would be to use a hand auger and casing; maybe a 1 3/4" bucket attachment with 2 inch pvc, or something a little larger. I would also supplement some muck probes to help identify depth of organics/muck. Fill heights are minimal, probably 3 to 4 feet.

 

[oldestguy]

If there is some thought that upper soft organic deposits may have to be replaced with better soil, a piston peat sampler and some rod "soundings" might be enough. As I recall commercial one 1" diam peat sampler was a Davis peat sampler. With a little thinking about how to make it work, a 1" diameter conduit fitted with a plug on top with an elongated slot, combined with a piston inside fitted with a pin through the rod works pretty good and is cheap. If one does a lot of these studies, a farm crawler tractor with widened "track base", then with planks bolted to the grousers can go almost any place, including where you can't even walk. Put a cat head on a power take off, use a tripod and you are in business for conventional split spoon borings, SPT sampling.

There is a way to use a tripod some distance from a rig with cat-head. Tie the legs together at the bases and put a pulley down there on the nearest leg. A lot of stretch will be in the rope and it works. Just remember do not try to haul in loose rope with a cat-head. It will wind on in a darn fast hurry.

 

[mikeofBelAir]

oldestguy...
Now THAT sounds like the voice of experience...as the rope catches on the cathead drum......been there, done that....lived to tell.