NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information

Designation: D 2113 – 99

Standard Practice for

Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site
Investigation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2113; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope nor should this document be applied without consideration of

1.1 This practice covers the guidelines, requirements, and a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
procedures for core drilling, coring, and sampling of rock for title of this document means only that the document has been
the purposes of site investigation. The borehole could be approved through the ASTM consensus process.
vertical, horizontal, or angled. 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This practice is described in the context of obtaining safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
data for the design, construction, or maintenance of structures, responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and applies to surface drilling and drilling from adits and priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
exploratory tunnels. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Also, the user must
1.3 This practice applies to core drilling in hard and soft comply with prevalent regulatory codes, such as OSHA (Oc-
rock. cupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines, while
1.4 This practice does not address considerations for core using this practice. For good safety practice, consult applicable
drilling for geo-environmental site characterization and instal- OSHA regulations and other safety guides on drilling (1).
iTeh Standards
lation of water quality monitoring devices (see Section 2).
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
2. Referenced Documents

for information purposes only. (https://standards.iteh.ai)

as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are provided 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering De-
sign, and Construction Purposes2
Document Preview
1.6 This practice does not purport to comprehensively
address all of the methods and the issues associated with coring D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
and sampling of rock. Users should seek qualified profession- Fluids2
als for decisions as to the proper equipment and methods that D 4630 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
would be most successful for their site investigation.ASTM Other D2113-99Storage Coefficient of Low Permeability Rocks by In Situ
Measurements Using the Constant Head Injection Test2
methods https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
may be available for drilling and sampling of rock,
D 5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock
and qualified professionals should have flexibility to exercise
judgment as to possible alternatives not covered in this Core Samples2
practice. This practice is current at the time of issue, but new D 5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explora-
alternative methods may become available prior to revisions; tions of Soil and Rock3
therefore, users should consult with manufacturers or produc- D 5782 Guide for the Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for
ers prior to specifying program requirements. Geoenvironmental Exploration and Installation of Subsur-
1.7 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing face Water Quality Monitoring Devices3
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace D 5783 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling With
education or experience and should be used in conjunction Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Explo-
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may ration and Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Moni-
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not toring Devices3
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which D 5876 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Wireline Casing
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, Advancement Drilling Methods for Geoenvironmental
Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-
Quality Monitoring Devices3
D 6032 Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Desig-
1
This Practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil and nation (RQD) of Rock Core3
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
Related Field Testing for Soil Investigations.
Current edition approved May 10, 1998 and January 10, 1999. Published October
1999. Originally published as D 2113 – 62T. Last previous edition D 2113 – 83 2
(1993)e1. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 2113
D 6151 Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geo- 4.1.1 Drilling is accomplished by circulating a drilling
technical Exploration and Soil Sampling3 medium through the drill bit while rotating and lowering or
2.2 American Petroleum Institute Standard: advancing the string of drill rods as downward force is applied
API RP 13B Recommended Practice Standard Procedure to a cutting bit. The bit cuts and breaks up the material as it
for Testing Drilling Fluids4 penetrates the formation, and the drilling medium picks up the
2.3 NSF Standard: cuttings generated by the cutting action of the bit. The drilling
NSF 60-19885 medium, with cuttings, then flows outward through the annular
space between the drill rods and drill hole, and carries the
3. Terminology cuttings to the ground surface, thus cleaning the hole. The
3.1 Definitions: string of drill rods and bit is advanced downward, deepening
3.1.1 blind hole, n—borehole that yields no fluid recovery the hole as the operation proceeds.
of the drilling fluids. 4.1.1.1 Fluid drilling is accomplished by circulating water
3.1.2 casing, n—hollow tubes of steel used to support bore or a water-based fluid with additives. Additives such as
hole walls or where fluid losses must be stopped. bentonite or polymers are frequently added to water to lubri-
3.1.3 caving hole, n—borehole whose walls or bottom are cate and cool the bit and to circulate (transport) cuttings to the
unstable and cave or collapse into the drilled borehole. surface. Drill fluid can also act to prevent cave or collapse of
3.1.4 core barrels, n—hollow tubes of steel used to collect the drill hole. After the drilling fluid reaches the surface, it
cores of drilled rock. flows to a ditch or effluent pipe and into a settling pit where the
3.1.5 core bits, n—coring bits with surface set or impreg- cuttings settle to the bottom. Cuttings are sometimes run
nated diamonds in tungsten carbide mix of hardened steel, through a shaker to remove the larger particles. From the
polycrystalline bits, or tungsten carbide (TC) inserts, mounted settling pit, the drilling fluid overflows into the main pit, from
on a cylindrical coring bit that does the actual core cutting. which it is picked up by the suction line of the mud pump and
3.1.6 drill rig, n—includes drilling machine, mast or der- recirculated through the drill string.
rick, circulating pumps, and mounting platform.
NOTE 1—The decrease of mud velocity upon entering the mud pit may
3.1.7 drill rod, n—hollow steel tubes that are connected to
iTeh Standards
the drill bit or core barrel and to the rotary head of the drilling
machine.
cause gelling of the mud and prevent cuttings from settling. Agitation of
the mud in the pit can remedy the problem.

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
3.1.8 drill platform, n—a platform for drilling rig.
3.1.8.1 Discussion—The platform may need to be con-
4.1.1.2 Air drilling is performed where introduction of
fluids is undesirable. Air rotary drilling requires use of an air
compressor with volume displacement large enough to develop
Document Preview
structed at the drilling site to provide a firm base upon which
the drill rig is then placed. Platforms are also constructed in the sufficient air velocity to remove cuttings. Cuttings can be
vicinity of the drill hole for workers to hold equipment, serve collected at the surface in cyclone separators. Sometimes a
as a datum, and to allow safe operations. small amount of water or foam may be added to the air to
3.1.9 drilling machine, n—includes power unit, hoisting enhance return of cuttings. Air drilling may not be satisfactory
ASTM D2113-99
in unconsolidated and cohesionless soils under the ground
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
unit, controlled-feed rotary drill head, and water or mud pump.
water table.
3.1.10 overshot, n—a latching mechanism at the end of the
hoisting line, specially designed to latch onto or release pilot 4.2 Coring:
bit or core barrel assemblies when using wireline drilling. 4.2.1 Coring is the process of recovering cylindrical cores of
(D 5786) rock by means of rotating a hollow steel tube (core barrel)
3.1.11 pilot bit assembly, n—designed to lock into the end equipped with a coring bit. The drilled core is carefully
section of drill rod for wireline drilling without sampling. The collected in the core barrel as the drilling progresses.
pilot bit can be either drag, roller cone, or diamond plug types. 4.3 Sampling:
The bit can be set to protrude from the rod coring bit depending 4.3.1 Once the core has been cut and the core barrel is full,
on the formation being drilled. (D 5786) the drill rods or overshot assembly are pulled and the core
3.1.12 squeezing hole, n—borehole whose walls move into retrieved. Samples are packaged and shipped for testing (see
the drilled opening and squeeze on the drill rods. Practices D 5079).
3.1.13 wireline drilling, n—a rotary drilling process using
special enlarged inside diameter drilling rods with special 5. Significance and Use
latching pilot bits or core barrels raised or lowered inside the 5.1 Rock cores are samples of record of the existing
rods with a wireline and overshot latching mechanism. subsurface conditions at given borehole locations. The samples
(D 5786) are expected to yield significant indications about the geologi-
3.2 Additional terms are defined in Terminology D 653. cal, physical, and engineering nature of the subsurface for use
in the design and construction of an engineered structure. The
4. Summary of Practice core samples need to be preserved using specific procedures for
4.1 Drilling: a stipulated time (Practices D 5079). The period of storage
depends upon the nature and significance of the engineered
4 structure.
Available from American Petroleum Institute, 2101 L St. NW, Washington, DC
5
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, MI 5.2 Rock cores always need to be handled such that their
48113–0140. properties are not altered in any way due to mechanical damage

2
 D 2113
or changes in ambient conditions of moisture and temperature Hydraulic systems are often equipped with a detent valve,
or other environmental factors. which allows downfeed (or advance) rate to be set at a certain
speed regardless of tool weight or down pressure exerted on the
6. Apparatus coring bit. Hydraulic feed drill rigs should be supplied with a
6.1 General—Fig. 1 shows the schematic of a typical rock hydraulic pressure gage that can be related to bit pressures.
core drill setup (2). Essential components of the drilling Deep hole drill rigs should be equipped with hydraulic hold-
equipment include the drilling rig with rotary power, hoisting back control so, if required, the full weight of the drill rods is
systems, casing, rods, core barrels, including bits and liners, not exerted on the bit when drilling downward. Diamond drill
and pumps with circulating system. In addition, equipment rigs can apply high rotation rates as high as 1000 rpm as
should include necessary tools for hoisting and coupling and opposed to normal rotary drills operating at 60 to 120 rpm (3).
uncoupling the drill string and other miscellaneous items such Most diamond core drills are equipped with a mast and
as prefabricated mud pits and racks for rod stacking and layout. powered hoist for hoisting heavy drill strings. A second
Normally, a drilling platform of planking is built up around the wireline hoist is helpful for wireline drilling.
drilling site. 6.2.1 The drill machine frame is either skid or truck
6.1.1 Rock coring operations can proceed at high rotation mounted and should be equipped with a slide base for ease in
rates. It is imperative the drill rig, rods, and core barrels are working around the drill hole. In special cases, the drilling
straight and have a balanced center of gravity to avoid machine may be mounted on a trailer, barge (for overwater
whipping and resulting damage to cores and expensive bits. drilling), or columns (for underground work). Some drill rigs
6.2 Drilling Rig— The drill rig provides the rotary power are designed to be broken down into several pieces for
and downward (or advance) force or hold-back force on the transport into remote areas. The drilling machine may be
core barrel to core the rock. The preferred diamond drill coring powered by hydraulics, air, electricity, gas, or diesel. Most
equipments are designs with hydraulic or gear-driven variable surface skid or truck mounted rigs are diesel or gas powered.
speed hollow spindle rotary drill heads, although some core 6.2.2 Drilling directions are rarely vertical in underground
rigs are manufactured with gear or chain pulldown/retract applications, and smaller rigs are frequently equipped with

iTeh Standards
systems. Precise control over bit pressure can best be accom- swivel heads to accommodate drilling at angles. Special
plished by a variable setting hydraulic pulldown/retract system. accommodations must be made for holding and breaking rods

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
Document Preview
ASTM D2113-99
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99

FIG. 1 Schematic of Typical Diamond Core Drill Set-up (2)

3
 D 2113
when drilling at high angles into crowns of adits. Either top 6.3.4.4 Water-based Drilling Fluids—The four main classes
drive drill or column mount machines with hydraulic or of water-based drilling fluids are: (1) clean, fresh water, (2)
pneumatic rod jacks are equipped to handle up holes. For water with clay (bentonite) additives, (3) water with polymeric
confined space drilling operations, drills are column mounted additives, and (4) water with both clay and polymer additives.
or mounted on small skids. Special power sources may be For commonly used materials added to water-based fluid, see
required for underground work due to air quality consider- Section 7 on Materials.
ations. Remote power pack stations usually electric, hydraulic, (1) Clean fresh water alone is often not acceptable for core
compressed air, or a combination of the three. Electrically drilling due to poor bit lubrication, erosion due to high
powered hydraulic systems are most common in underground velocities required for lifting cuttings, and excessive water
use today loss. In water-sensitive soils, it is desirable to use drill additives
6.3 Fluid or Air Circulation Systems: to form drill hole wall cakes and prevent moisture penetration.
6.3.1 Selection of Drill Media—The two primary methods In some cases, water may be required for piezometer installa-
for circulating drill cuttings are water or water-based fluids or tions where other fluid additives are not acceptable, but often
air with or without additives. The predominant method of newer synthetic polymer materials are acceptable for piezom-
drilling is water-based fluids. Water-based drilling is effective eter and well installations.
in a wide range of conditions both above and below the water (2) Bentonitic drill muds are often used in rotary drilling
table. Air drilling is selected when water-sensitive soils such as applications. The bentonite should be added to water with
swelling clays or low density collapsible soils are encountered. vigorous mixing and recirculation to ensure uniform properties
Air drilling may also be required above the water table if and to reach a dispersed deflocculated state. For diamond core
special testing is required in the unsaturated zone. Air drilling drilling, low viscosity is usually required due to small clear-
is also convenient in highly fractured igneous rocks and porous ances. The viscosity of a fluid-mud mixture is related to the
formations where water-based fluid losses are unacceptable. solids content and particle shapes and alignments of the
The primary functions of the drill fluid are: additives. During the high speed rotary drilling process, solids
6.3.1.1 Remove drill cuttings, have a tendency to spin out and collect inside drill rods. For
6.3.1.2 Stabilize the borehole,
6.3.1.3 Cool and lubricate the bit, iTeh Standards diamond drilling, low solids content is desirable. If mass is
required to balance high hydrostatic pressures, additives such
6.3.1.4 Control fluid loss, as barite or ilmenite (see 7.1.8) can be added to keep solids
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
6.3.1.5 Drop cuttings into a settling pit,
6.3.1.6 Facilitate logging of the borehole, and
contents low.
(3) The need for low solids contents and good lubrication
Document Preview
6.3.1.7 Suspend cuttings in the drill hole during coring.
6.3.1.8 No single drill fluid mixture can satisfy all of the
properties point to the use of polymer drill fluids. Natural or
synthetic polymer fluids are the best additives for diamond core
above requirements perfectly. In the sections below, consider- drilling. Polymer chains such as those from guar gum exhibit
ations for materials that could be used in drilling medium are flow thinning characteristics in high velocity and shear condi-
ASTM D2113-99
given. tions. Polymer fluids can be weighted with salts to balance
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
6.3.2 The pressure hose conducts the drilling fluid or air hydrostatic pressures. Detergents or deflocculating agents can
from the circulation pump or compressor to the swivel. be added to discharge lines to assist in dropping cuttings to
6.3.3 The swivel directs the drilling fluid or air to a rotating maintain fluid properties.
kelly or drill-rod column. (4) Fluid management requires considerable experience for
6.3.4 Rotary Drilling with Water-based Drilling Fluids: successful drilling and sampling. Important fluid parameters
6.3.4.1 The mud pit is a reservoir for the drilling fluid, and, include viscosity and density, and these parameters can be
if properly designed and used, provides sufficient flow velocity tested to improve fluid properties. Test Method D 4380 and
reduction to allow separation of drill cuttings from the fluid American Petroleum Institute (API) test procedures are avail-
before recirculation. The mud pit can be a shallow, open metal able for testing drill fluids. Fluid design can be improved by
tank with baffles or an excavated pit with some type of liner, consultation with manufacturers, suppliers, and by review of
and designed to prevent loss of drilling fluid. The mud pit can literature (2-8). Because of a large number of suppliers,
be used as a mixing reservoir for the initial quantity of drilling varying grades of drill fluid products, and varying requirements
fluid, and, in some circumstances, for adding water and of each project, providing an exact procedure for design and
additives to the drilling fluid as drilling progresses. It may be mixing of drill fluids, is impossible.
necessary to have additional storage tanks for preparing fluids 6.3.5 Rotary Drilling Using Air As the Circulation Medium:
while drilling progresses. 6.3.5.1 The air compressor should provide an adequate
6.3.4.2 The suction line, sometimes equipped with a foot volume of air, without significant contamination, for removal
valve or strainer, or both, conducts the drilling fluid from the of cuttings. Air requirements depend upon the drill rod and bit
mud pit to the fluid circulation pump. type, character of the material penetrated, depth of drilling
6.3.4.3 The fluid circulation pump must be able to lift the below ground water level, and total depth of drilling. Airflow
drilling fluid from the mud pit and move it through the system rate requirements are usually based on an annulus upflow (or
against variable pumping heads at a flow rate to provide an outflow) air velocity of about 3000 to 4000 ft/min (1000 to
annular velocity that is adequate to transport drill cuttings out 1300 m/min) although air upflow (or outflow) rates of less than
of the drill hole. 3000 ft/min (1000 m/min) are often adequate for cuttings

4
 D 2113
transport. Special reaming shells may be required to maintain dimensional standards. Similar equipment of approximately equal size on
air circulation between the annulus of the hole wall and large the metric standard system is acceptable unless otherwise stipulated by the
engineer or geologist.
diameter drill rods (9). For some geologic conditions, air-blast
erosion may increase the borehole diameter in easily eroded 6.4.1 Core diameter, barrel design, bit design, and drilling
materials such that the 1000 m/min (3000 ft/min) circulation method have a direct influence on sample quality. Usually
rate may not be appropriate for cuttings transport. when drilling in delicate formations,larger diameter samples
6.3.5.2 Compressed air alone often can transport cuttings provide higher quality samples. Often, obtaining samples of the
from the borehole and cool the bit. Pure air alone does not weaker seams or joints in the rock is critical to design. A larger
work well in very moist soils. In moist, clayey matrices, mud diameter core barrel can often reduce shearing stresses im-
rings and bit balling may occur. For some geologic conditions, parted to a seam or joint in the core and thus reduce mechanical
water injected into the air stream will help control dust or break breakage. For core operations related to most surface drilling
down “mud rings” that can form on the drill rods. If water is project investigations, the minimum core size would corre-
injected, the depth(s) of water injection should be documented. spond to “N” sized borings.
In these cases, adding water and a foaming agent to make a 6.4.2 In concrete coring operations, the primary consider-
misting mixture is desirable (3). Under other circumstances, for ation for selecting a core diameter is the maximum size
example if the borehole starts to produce water, injection of a aggregate. For interface shear strength determinations on lift
foaming agent may be required. The depth at which a foaming lines, the core diameter should be 21⁄2 to 3 times the maximum
agent is added should also be recorded. If water infiltration into size aggregate (11).
the borehole impedes circulation, the use of stiffer foams or 6.4.3 In underground hard rock drilling, smaller cores may
slurries may be needed (3). Air drilling may not be satisfactory be used for ease of operation.
in unconsolidated or cohesionless soils under the ground water 6.5 Casing—For most coring operations, setting casings in
table, and fluid drilling systems may be required. overburden materials will be necessary, especially near the
6.3.5.3 The dust collector conducts air and cuttings from the surface to control drill fluid circulation. Typically, water-
borehole annulus past the drill rod column to an air cleaning sensitive soils and loose overburden soils are protected by
device (cyclone separator). iTeh Standards
6.3.5.4 The air cleaning device (cyclone separator) sepa-
casings that are set in competent bedrock or to firm seating at
an elevation below the water-sensitive formation. The casing

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
rates cuttings from the air returning from the borehole via the
dust collector. A properly sized cyclone separator can remove
used should allow for unobstructed passage of the largest core
barrel to be used, and should be free of upsets in inside
diameter. A listing of DCDMA casing sizes is shown in Table
Document Preview
practically all of the cuttings from the return air. A small
quantity of fine particles is usually discharged to the atmo-
sphere with the “cleaned” air. Some air cleaning devices
1. For rock coring operations, the flush inside diameter “W”
series casing is used to allow for use of the matching core
barrel. In some cases, flush coupled drive pipe can be used to
consist of a cyclone separator alone and others use a cyclone
separator combined with a power blower and sample collection ASTM D2113-99
support the hole. Drive pipe is available in thickness schedules
40, 80, and 160.
filters.https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
When foaming agents are used, a cyclone-type cuttings
separator is not used and foam discharge is accumulated near 6.5.1 Casing and drill rod selection should be based on
the top of the borehole. uphole (or outflow) velocity of the circulation system selected.
Uphole (or outflow) velocity should be sufficient to bring up all
6.4 Hole Diameters— Selection of hole diameter and core drill cuttings.
size is the most important consideration when planning a
6.5.2 Casing or temporary drill hole support can be accom-
coring program. Most rock coring operations are performed
plished through several methods. One casing advancement
with casings and core barrels whose sizes have been standard-
technique is to drill incrementally ahead of the casing and then
ized by the Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association
drive the casing to the previous depth. Driven casings should
(DCDMA) (5,10). Table 1 provides a summary of nomencla-
be equipped with a hardened shoe to protect end threads. The
ture used for drill hole sizing. For each size of hole, there is a inside diameter of the shoe should be flush with the casing
family of casings, core barrels, bits, casing bits, and drill rods inside diameter to avoid hang-ups of the core barrel. In some
with the same primary letter symbol (A through Z) whose cases, water-sensitive zones may require cementing for stabi-
design is compatible. Furthermore, the size steps are such that lization. Casing can be equipped with diamond casing shoes
the next smaller size letter equipment can be used inside the that allow the casing to be advanced with rotary drilling. The
next larger group. This nesting of casings, barrels, and rods casing shoe should have the same inside diameter as the casing.
allows for tapering or telescoping of a drill hole through Casing “shoes” should not be confused with casing “bits” (10).
difficult formations. Since the core barrel must pass through the Casing bits are only acceptable for temporary, rotary installa-
casings selected, anticipating the necessity for telescoping the tion of casing where coring operations are not required, such as
hole is important so a large enough diameter is selected at the temporary installation of a large diameter telescoped casing.
start. Casing “bits” have an inside diameter that is not large enough
NOTE 2—Inclusion of the following tables and use of letter symbols in to pass a core barrel of the same nominal hole size. Hollow-
the foregoing text is not intended to limit the practice to use of DCDMA stem augers may be used as casing through overburden soils.
tools. The table and the text references are included as a convenience to Liners may be used inside large diameter casings or augers to
the user since the majority of tools in use do meet the DCDMA increase fluid circulation velocity and optimize cuttings return.

5
 D 2113
TABLE 1 Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association Casing Specifications (10)
NOTE 1—W series casing is known as “flush-coupled casing”. W series casing has flush inside diameter throughout, while X series casing has upset
diameter with coupling inside diameter equal to flush wall inside diameter.
DCDMA Casing Design
Inside Diameter Inside Diameter
Outside Diameter Gallons Mass Threads Per Inch
Size W Series X Series
Per 100 ft Per ft
in. mm in. mm in. mm W series X series
RW, RX 1.44 36.5 1.20 30.5 1.20 302.0 5.7 1.8 5 8
EW, EX 1.81 46.0 1.50 38.1 1.63 41.3 9.2 2.8 4 8
AW, AX 2.25 57.2 1.91 48.1 2.00 50.8 14.8 3.8 4 8
BW, BX 2.88 73.0 2.38 60.3 2.56 65.1 23.9 7.0 4 8
NW, NX 3.50 88.9 3.00 76.2 3.19 81.0 36.7 8.6 4 8
HW, HX 4.50 114.3 4.00 100.0 4.13 104.8 65.3 11.3 4 5
PW, PX 5.50 139.7 5.00 127.0 5.13 130.2 14.0 3 5
SW, SX 6.63 168.3 6.00 152.4 6.25 158.8 16.0 3 5
UW, UX 7.63 193.7 7.00 177.8 7.19 182.6 2 4
ZW, ZX 8.63 219.1 8.00 203.2 8.19 208.0 2 4

If liners are used, they should not be driven and care should be are not standardized and are specific to individual manufactur-
taken to maintain true hole alignment. ers. The API internal flush joint rods have upset walls on the
6.6 Drill Rods—Drill rod selection should be based on outside joint and should not be used in air drilling, as air
consideration of the uphole (or outflow) velocity of the erosion of the formation could occur at the joints.
circulating fluids for the circulation system selected. Uphole 6.7 Conventional Core Barrels—Many types of core barrels
velocity should be sufficient to bring up all drill cuttings. Most are available. A conventional core barrel is attached to the
drilling operations are done with DCDMA drilling rods con- drilling rods (see 6.6) and the complete set of connected rods

iTeh Standards
forming to the dimensions given in Table 2. Drill rods are
normally constructed of tubular steel and have a flush outside
wall diameter. Drill rod sections usually have threaded female
and barrel must be removed from the hole at the end of each
core run. Torque is applied to the drill rods while the
circulating fluid is pumped through the center of the drill rods
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
connections machined in each end. The rods are connected by
either removable or welded pins (in one end) strengthened by
to the bit. Fluid returns along the annulus between the borehole
wall and barrel and drill rods. Conventional barrels are used in

Document Preview
addition of material at the inside walls. Some drill rod pins are
constructed of high strength steel because the joints are a weak
smaller drilling operations, such as short underground holes, or
when intermittent sampling is to be performed. Most continu-
link and are subject to failure. Some larger rods are composed ous high production coring today is performed with wireline
of composite materials to reduce weight. Nonmagnetic rods are equipment.
ASTM D2113-99
available for drill holes requiring use of magnetic surveying 6.7.1 Several series of conventional core barrels have stan-
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
equipment. dardized dimensions set by the DCDMA (10) in North
6.6.1 Tables 3 and 4 lists dimensions of wireline and API America. Other organizations such as the British Standards
drill rods that also can be used. Wireline drill rod dimensions Institute have adopted DCDMA size conventions, while others

TABLE 2 Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association Drill Rod Specifications (10)
Drill Rods,
W Series Drill Rod

Rod Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Coupling Identification Mass Threads Thread
Type in. mm in. mm in. mm Per Foot, lbm Per Inch Type

RW 1.094 27.8 0.719 18.3 0.406 10.3 1.4 4 Regular

EW 1.375 34.9 0.938 22.2 0.437 12.7 2.7 3 Regular
AW 1.750 44.4 1.250 31.0 0.625 15.9 4.2 3 Regular
BW 2.125 54.0 1.500 44.5 0.750 19.0 6.1 3 Regular
NW 2.625 66.7 2.000 57.4 1.38 34.9 7.8 3 Regular
HW 3.500 88.9 3.062 77.8 2.375 60.3 9.5 3 Regular
WJ Series Drill Rod
AWJ 1.75 44.5 1.43 36.4 0.63 16.1 3.6 5 Taper
BWJ 2.13 54.0 1.81 46.0 0.75 19.3 5.0 5 Taper
NWJ 2.63 66.7 2.25 57.0 1.13 28.8 6.0 4 Taper
KWJ 2.88 73.0 2.44 61.9 1.38 34.9 ... 4 Taper
HWJ 3.50 88.9 2.88 73.1 1.75 44.5 ... 4 Taper
Old Standard
E 1.313 33.3 0.844 21.4 0.438 11.1 ... 3 Regular
A 1.625 41.3 1.266 28.6 0.563 14.3 ... 3 Regular
B 1.906 48.4 1.406 35.7 0.625 15.9 ... 5 Regular
N 2.375 60.3 2.000 50.8 1.000 25.4 ... 4 Regular

6
 D 2113
TABLE 3 Wireline Drill Rod Dimensions
Wireline Drill Rods

Rod Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Gallons Weight Threads Thread

Type in. mm in. mm Per 100 ft Per lbm Per Inch Type

AQWLA 1.750 44.5 1.375 34.9 7.7 3.3 4 Taper

AXWLB 1.813 46.0 1.500 38.1 9.18 2.8 4 Regular
BQWLA 2.188 55.6 1.812 46.0 13.4 4.0 3 Taper
BXWLB 2.250 57.2 1.906 48.4 14.82 3.8 4 Regular
NQWLA 2.750 69.9 2.375 60.3 23.0 5.2 3 Taper
NXWLB 2.875 73.0 2.391 60.7 23.30 6.8 3 Regular
HQWLA 3.500 88.9 3.062 77.8 38.2 7.7 3 Taper
HXWLB 3.500 88.9 3.000 76.2 36.72 8.7 3 Regular
PQWLA 4.625 117.5 4.062 103.2 ... ... ... ...
CPWLB 4.625 117.5 4.000 101.6 ... ... ... ...
A
Q Series rods are specific manufacturer’s design.
B
X Series rods are specific manufacturer’s design.

TABLE 4 American Petroleum Institute Drill Rod Dimensions (12) TABLE 5 Approximated Core and Hole Diameters for Core
API Tool Joints—Regular External Flush (in.-lb System) Barrels
Set bit dimension
Type/size Rod o.d. (in.) Rod o.d. (mm) Rod i.d. (in.) Rod i.d. (mm) Set reaming shell
A
Core barrel inside diameter
5 hole diameter
API 2-3⁄8 3.125 79.4 1 25.4 type/group 5 core diameter
API 2-7⁄8 3.75 95.3 1.25 31.8
in. mm in. mm
API 3-1⁄2 4.25 108.0 1.5 38.1
API 4 5.25 133.4 1.75 44.5 Conventional Core BarrelsB
API 4-1⁄2 5.75 146.1 2.25 57.2
API 5 1⁄2 6.75 171.5 2.75 69.9 RWT (d) 0.735 18.7 1.175 29.8
API 6 5⁄8 7.75 196.9 3.5 88.9 EWD3 0.835 21.2 1.485 37.7
API 7 5⁄8 8.88 225.6 4.0 101.6. EWG (s.d.), EWM (d) 0.845 21.5 1.485 37.7

iTeh Standards
API 8 5⁄8 10.0 25.4 4.75 120.7 EWT (d) 0.905 23.0 1.485 37.7
AWD3, AWD4 1.136 28.9 1.890 48.0
API Tool Joints—Regular Internal Flush AWG (s.d.), AWM (d) 1.185 30.1 1.890 48.0

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
AWT (d) 1.281 32.5 1.890 48.0
Type/size Rod o.d. (in.) Rod o.d. (mm) Rod i.d. (in.) Rod i.d. (mm)
BWD3, BWD4 1.615 41.0 2.360 59.9
API 2-3⁄8 3.375 85.7 1.75 44.5 BWG (s.d.), BWM (d) 1.655 42.0 2.360 59.9
API 2-7⁄8 4.125 104.8 2.125 54.0 BWT (s.d.) 1.750 44.4 2.360 59.9
API 3-1⁄2
API 4
API 4-1⁄2
4.75
5.75
6.125
120.7
146.1
155.6
Document Preview
2.687
3.25
3.75
68.3
82.6
95.3
NWD3, NWD4
NWG (s.d.), NWM (d)
NWT (s.d.)
2.060
2.155
2.313
52.3
54.7
58.8
2.980
2.980
2.980
75.7
75.7
75.7
HWD3, HWD4 2.400 61.1 3.650 92.7
HWG (s.d.) 3.000 76.2 3.907 99.2
ASTM D2113-99 HWT (s.d.) 3.187 80.9 3.907 99.2
have different standard dimensions such as metric or Swedish
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
(Craelius) (4). The DCDMA WG, WM, WT series of barrels
DCDMA Large Diameter—Double-Tube Swivel—Core Barrels
2 3⁄ 4 3 3 7⁄8 2.690 68.3 3.875 98.4
have standard dimensions as shown in Table 5. Most manu- 4 3 5 1 ⁄2 3.970 100.8 5.495 139.3
facturers make core barrels fitting the dimensional require- 6 3 7 3 ⁄4 5.970 151.6 7.750 196.8
ments of one of these series, but there may be variation of other Wireline Core Barrel Systems C

design features such as inner liners, bearings, fluid routing, or AXWL (joy) 1.016 25.8 1.859 47.2
core extrusion methods. Some manufacturers make core bar- AQWL 1.065 27.1 1.890 48.0
rels that do not fit dimensional DCDMA standards for core BXWL 1.437 36.5 2.375 60.3
BQWL 1.432 36.4 2.360 60.0
diameters. An example is the“ D3 and D4” series core barrels BQ3WL 1.313 33.4 2.360 60.0
shown in Table 5. Use of other nonstandardized core barrels is NXWL 2.000 50.8 2.984 75.8
acceptable if the type of barrel is appropriate for the drilling NQWL 1.875 47.6 2.980 75.7
NQ3WL 1.75 44.4 2.980 75.7
conditions and the type of barrel used is reported. HXWL 2.400 61.0 3.650 92.7
6.7.2 For most investigations and when rock types are HQWL 2.500 63.5 3.790 96.3
unknown, it is desirable to specify a swivel type, double tube HQ3WL 2.375 60.3 3.790 96.3
CPWL 3.345 85.0 4.827 122.6
core barrel with a split inner barrel, or solid inner barrel with PQWL 3.345 85.0 4.827 122.6
split liners (also know as “triple tube”). The barrel should be PQ3WL 3.25 82.6 4.827 122.6
equivalent to, or better than, “M” series design to reduce fluid A
s 5 single tube; d 5 double tube.
exposure. If the formation is poorly lithified, and contains B
Conventional double-tube core barrels are available in either rigid or swivel
designs. The swivel design inner barrel is preferred for sampling because it aids in
soil-like layers such as shales with interbedded clay seams, a preventing core rotation. In general, smallest core for given hole size results in best
large diameter core barrel may be specified to aid in recovery. recovery in difficult conditions, that is, triple-tube core barrels. Use of double-tube-
These desired components are discussed below. swivel type barrels with split liners is recommended in geotechnical investigations
for best recovery and least sample damage.
6.7.3 Core barrels generally come in 5- or 10-ft core run C
Wireline dimensions and designations may vary according to manufacturer.
lengths. Ten-foot core runs can be performed with good rock
conditions. If soft, friable, or highly fractured formations are

7
 D 2113
encountered, it may be necessary to select barrels with 5-ft core drill fluid circulation over its entire length. Once the core in the
runs to reduce the possibility of blockages and improve core barrel is broken from parent material, it will rotate with the
recovery. assembly. These effects break up all but the most competent
6.7.4 Important design components of a conventional core core (4, 12). Because of fluid exposure and rotational effects,
barrel are tube type (triple, double, or single), inner tube this barrel should not be used to sample weak, friable, and
rotation (rigid or swivel), core bit type, including fluid dis- water-sensitive materials. Additional disadvantages of this core
charge locations (internal discharge - contacting core, or face barrel include: poor diamond performance of the cutting bit in
discharge and waterway design), core lifter, and reaming shell. fractured or friable formations, frequent core blocking, and
6.7.5 Single Tube Core Barrel—The single tube core barrel severe diamond erosion due to re-drilling of broken fragments.
is the simplest in design (see Fig. 2). The core is subjected to This system is only suitable for sampling massive, hard,

iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
Document Preview
ASTM D2113-99
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99

FIG. 2 Diagram of Two Types of Core Barrels: (a) Single Tube and (b) Double Tube

8
 D 2113
competent, homogeneous rock or concrete. Due to these drilling investigations are for engineering structures where
disadvantages, this core barrel type is not recommended for varying conditions would be encountered.
routine investigations. 6.7.7 Triple Tube Core Barrels—The triple tube barrel is
6.7.5.1 In shallow applications, generally less than 5 ft (2 m) essentially a double tube barrel with a liner inside the inner
competent concrete or soil cement is cored with single tube tube. The inner liner is made from either split metal half rounds
masonry core barrels with portable drill rigs (11). If there is or tubular acrylic. The use of split liners increases efficiency in
evidence of excessive core erosion, breakage, or blocking, use handling and logging. If the purpose of the investigation is
of double tube swivel type barrels should be considered. solely for logging of cores, the use of solid acrylic liners may
6.7.6 Double Tube Core Barrel—Double tube core barrels be acceptable.
contain an inner barrel that protects the core from contact with 6.7.7.1 Many manufacturers offer the triple tube option and
drill fluid and from erosion or washing from the circulating barrels are available that also have hydraulic core extrusion
fluid. The bottom of the core may be subjected to fluid systems. These systems help with removing the inner liners by
exposure depending on the locations of fluid discharge. Some use of a piston in the top of the inner barrel. This feature is
barrel designs have fluid discharge near the lifter, near the bit, especially helpful if split liners are bowed apart by lateral
or on the bit face (see 6.7.7). The advantage of double tube expansion of the core. The extrusion systems allow for simple
design is greater protection of the core. Washing erosion is loading and unloading of liners.
reduced and weaker zones can be recovered. 6.7.8 Conventional Barrel Standardized Designs—
6.7.6.1 The inner barrel of double tube core barrels may be DCDMA standardized barrels come in three designs, WG,
either solid or split. The barrel may be designed to accept split WM, and WT series.
liners. Barrels accepting liners require a special inside diameter 6.7.8.1 The “G” series barrels are the most simple in design
bit gage. Use of a split barrel or inner liners is preferred for and have a simple pin threaded bit into which the core lifter is
easier handling of cores. Sections of the cores containing weak inserted. Due to the simplicity of design, these barrels are the
seams are more likely to remain intact. The cores may be rolled most rugged, with fewer parts and less maintenance. The only
onto PVC half rounds. The use of split liners or PVC half disadvantage is that the fluid exits above the lifter and the
iTeh Standards
rounds aids in placement of core in core boxes and handling of
cores that require sealing for moisture preservation. In certain
bottom of the core is exposed to fluids during drilling.
6.7.8.2 The “M” design core barrel is the best available tool

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
materials, such as expansive shales or blocked high fractured for recovering of rock cores even in the most friable and caving
materials, the split liner may spring apart even though it is stratums. The inner barrel is equipped with a lifter case that
taped before sampling. In these cases, removing the inner extends into the bit shank and therefore reduces exposure of the
Document Preview
barrel may be difficult. Remedies include use of a shorter core
barrel, triple tube design with extruder (see 6.7.7.1), or the
core to fluid during drilling. The fluid only contacts the core
near the crown of the bit, and washing or eroding of the core
solid liner. is minimized. Face discharge bits are also available for almost
6.7.6.2 Double tube core barrels come in two designs, either
ASTM D2113-99
no core exposure to fluids. The DCDMA “M” designs have
rigid or swivel type. been modified by individual manufacturers. Barrels such as the
(1) https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99
Rigid Double Tube Barrel—This barrel is rarely used in D4 type barrels are equivalent to “M” design barrels.
practice today due to limitations listed below. In the rigid barrel 6.7.8.3 The “T” series design stands for thin walled or thin
design, the inner barrel is fixed and it spins at the same rate as kerf. This design provides larger core-to-hole size ratio. This
the outer barrel. Rigid tube barrels have fewer working parts, barrel style has a thin kerf and requires fewer diamonds and
but suffer from similar disadvantages as single tube barrels. less torque for drilling. It gives good performance in hard,
Core recovery is poor and diamond wear in friable and dense, and friable shattered rock formations (4). This type of
fractured formations is excessive. In softer deposits, there will core barrel is thin and lightweight and must be handled with
be rotation of broken core, core blockage, and resulting care.
crushing and grinding, which causes excessive bit wear. This 6.7.9 Large Diameter, Double Tube, Swivel Design—The
type of design is not preferred for routine investigations where large diameter conventional core barrel is similar in design to
rock conditions are not known, as the equipment is only the double tube, swivel type, “WM” design, but with the
acceptable in hard competent formations. addition of a ball valve in all the three sizes to control fluid
(2) Swivel Type Double Tube Barrels—In the swivel type flow. A sludge barrel to catch heavy cuttings is also incorpo-
barrel (Fig. 3and Fig. 4show typical barrels) the inner barrel is rated on the two larger sizes (Fig. 5). The three sizes standard-
connected to the drill string through a bearing that allows the ized by DCDMA are 23⁄4-in. (69.8 mm) by 37⁄8-in. (98.4 mm),
inner barrel to remain stationary during coring. The core is 4-in. (101.6 mm) by 51⁄2-in. (139.7 mm), and 6-in. (152.4 mm)
completely protected once it enters the liner. This design by 73⁄4-in. (196.8 mm). Other sizes such as 45⁄8-in. (117.5 mm)
reduces rock crushing and grinding and resulting blockages. by 3-in. (76.2 mm), 53⁄4-in. (146 mm) by 4-in. (101.6 mm), and
Depending on the fluid discharge point, the core may be 8-in. (203.2 mm) by 57⁄8-in. (149.2 mm) have been designed by
exposed to fluids near the bottom of the barrel and there could individual manufacturers. The larger barrels with increased
be erosion of soft or fractured formations. annulus are suitable for larger rotary rig mud pumps and air
(3) Double tube swivel type core barrels are the best compressors. Options include either conventional or face
selection for drilling rock of varying hardness and fracture. discharge bits with either conventional core lifter or spring
This type of barrel is typically the minimum requirement when finger basket retainers. Some core barrel systems can be

9
 D 2113

iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
Document Preview
ASTM D2113-99
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8ea52a1e-76d7-49e3-943c-6ecaffa4649c/astm-d2113-99

FIG. 3 Typical Double Tube Swivel Type-Conventional Core Barrel

converted to soil coring operations, but require carbide bit and inner barrel, or to adjust the headspace of the inner barrel. The
a projecting cutting shoe. Some large diameter barrels are inner core barrel can be removed and replaced without remov-
convertible from conventional to wireline coring operation. ing the drill rods, allowing for continuous coring. The drill rods
6.8 Wireline Core Barrels—Wireline drilling for investiga- also act as a casing, and fluid is circulated from the bit through
tion in rock is a principal drilling system used for deep rock the annulus between the drill hole wall and drill rod. Wireline
coring applications using surface mounted drill rigs (Fig. drill rod dimensions are not standardized. Table 3 lists the
6andFig. 7). In the wireline system, the drill rods are only typical wireline rod sizes and Table 5 lists core barrel sizes of
removed from the hole to replace the coring bit, to free a stuck predominant types of wireline equipment available. Other

10