NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: D2113 − 14

Standard Practice for

Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site
Exploration1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2113; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* rience and should be used in conjunction with professional

1.1 This practice covers the guidelines, requirements, and judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in
procedures for core drilling, coring, and sampling of rock for all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to
the purposes of site exploration. The borehole could be represent or replace the standard of care by which the
vertical, horizontal, or angled. adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor
should this document be applied without consideration of a
1.2 This practice is described in the context of obtaining project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
data for the design, construction, or maintenance of structures, title of this document means only that the document has been
and applies to surface drilling and drilling from adits and approved through the ASTM consensus process.
exploratory tunnels.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3 This practice applies to core drilling in hard and soft safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rock.
iTeh Standards
1.4 This practice does not address considerations for core
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
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drilling for geo-environmental site characterization and instal-
lation of water quality monitoring devices (see Guides D5782
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Also, the user must
comply with prevalent regulatory codes, such as OSHA (Oc-

1.5 The values stated in inch-poundDocument

units are to be regarded Preview
and D5783). cupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines, while
using this practice. For good safety practice, consult applicable
OSHA regulations and other safety guides on drilling (1).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
ASTM D2113-14
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.6 This practice does not purport to comprehensively D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
address all of the methods and the issues associated with coring Fluids
and sampling of rock. Users should seek qualified profession- D4380 Test Method for Density of Bentonitic Slurries
als for decisions as to the proper equipment and methods that D4630 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
would be most successful for their site exploration. Other Storage Coefficient of Low-Permeability Rocks by In Situ
methods may be available for drilling and sampling of rock, Measurements Using the Constant Head Injection Test
and qualified professionals should have flexibility to exercise D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core
judgment as to possible alternatives not covered in this Samples
practice. This practice is current at the time of issue, but new D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
alternative methods may become available prior to revisions; of Soil and Rock
therefore, users should consult with manufacturers or produc- D5782 Guide for Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for
ers prior to specifying program requirements.This practice Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of
offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
operations. This document cannot replace education or expe- D5783 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-
Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration
1
This Practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
2
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014. Published November 2014. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D2113 – 08. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D2113-14. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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

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 D2113 − 14
and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitor- 3.2.11 squeezing hole, n—borehole whose walls move into
ing Devices the drilled opening and squeeze on the drill rods.
D5876 Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Wireline Casing 3.2.12 wireline, n—a cable made of steel strands connected
Advancement Drilling Methods for Geoenvironmental to a drum hoist, used to raise and lower the core barrel, drill
Exploration and Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality rods, or other equipment as needed in the drill hole.
Monitoring Devices 3.2.13 wireline drilling, n—a rotary drilling process using
D6032 Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designa- special enlarged inside diameter drilling rods with special
tion (RQD) of Rock Core latching pilot bits or core barrels raised or lowered inside the
D6151 Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotech- rods with a wireline and overshot latching mechanism.
nical Exploration and Soil Sampling (D5876)
2.2 American Petroleum Institute Standard:3
API RP 13B Recommended Practice Standard Procedure for 4. Summary of Practice
Testing Drilling Fluids 4.1 Drilling:
2.3 NSF Standard:4 4.1.1 Drilling is accomplished by circulating a drilling
NSF/ANSI 60-1988 Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals- medium through the drill bit while rotating and lowering or
Health Effects advancing the string of drill rods as downward force is applied
to a cutting bit. The bit cuts and breaks up the material as it
3. Terminology penetrates the formation, and the drilling medium picks up the
cuttings generated by the cutting action of the bit. The drilling
3.1 For common definitions of terms in this standard, refer
medium, with cuttings, then flows outward through the annular
to Terminology D653.
space between the drill rods and drill hole, and carries the
3.2 Definitions: cuttings to the ground surface, thus cleaning the hole. The
3.2.1 blind hole, n—borehole that yields no fluid recovery of string of drill rods and bit is advanced downward, deepening
the drilling fluids. the hole as the operation proceeds.
3.2.2 casing, n—hollow tubes of steel used to support 4.1.1.1 Fluid drilling is accomplished by circulating water
iTeh Standards
borehole walls or where fluid losses must be stopped.
3.2.3 caving hole, n—borehole whose walls or bottom are
or a water-based fluid with additives. Additives such as
bentonite or polymers are frequently added to water to lubri-

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unstable and cave or collapse into the drilled borehole.
3.2.4 core barrel, n—hollow tube of steel used to collect
cate and cool the bit and to circulate (transport) cuttings to the
surface. Drill fluid can also act to prevent cave or collapse of
the drill hole. After the drilling fluid reaches the surface, it
cores of drilled rock.
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3.2.5 core bit, n—a drill bit that cuts cylindrical rock
flows to a ditch or effluent pipe and into a settling pit where the
cuttings settle to the bottom. Cuttings are sometimes run
samples and consists of one of the following: a drill bit with through a shaker to remove the larger particles. From the
surface set of diamonds or impregnated diamonds inASTM D2113-14
a tungsten settling pit, the drilling fluid overflows into the main pit, from
carbide mix of hardened steel, polycrystalline bit, or tungsten which it is picked up by the suction line of the mud pump and
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carbide (TC) inserts mounted on a cylindrical bit that cuts out recirculated through the drill string.
cylindrical rock samples. NOTE 1—The decrease of mud velocity upon entering the mud pit may
3.2.6 drill rig, n—includes drilling power unit, mast or cause gelling of the mud and prevent cuttings from settling. Agitation of
derrick, circulating pumps, and mounting platform. the mud in the pit can remedy the problem.

3.2.7 drill rod, n—hollow steel tubes that are connected to 4.1.1.2 Air drilling is performed where introduction of
the drill bit or core barrel and to the rotary head of the drilling fluids is undesirable. Air rotary drilling requires use of an air
power unit. compressor with volume displacement large enough to develop
sufficient air velocity to remove cuttings. Cuttings can be
3.2.8 drill platform, n—a platform for a drilling rig. collected at the surface in cyclone separators. Sometimes a
3.2.9 overshot, n—a latching mechanism at the end of the small amount of water or foam may be added to the air to
hoisting line, specially designed to latch onto or release pilot enhance return of cuttings. Air drilling may not be satisfactory
bit or core barrel assemblies when using wireline drilling. in unconsolidated and cohesionless soils under the groundwa-
(D5876) ter table.
3.2.10 pilot bit assembly, n—designed to lock into the end 4.2 Coring:
section of drill rod for wireline drilling without sampling. The 4.2.1 Coring is the process of recovering cylindrical cores of
pilot bit can be either drag, roller cone, or diamond plug types. rock by means of rotating a hollow steel tube (core barrel)
The bit can be set to protrude from the rod coring bit depending equipped with a coring bit. The drilled core is carefully
on the formation being drilled. (D5876) collected in the core barrel as the drilling progresses.
4.3 Sampling:
3
4.3.1 Once the core has been cut and the core barrel is full,
Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L. St., NW,
Washington, DC 20005-4070, http://www.api.org.
the drill rods or overshot assembly are pulled and the core
4
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann retrieved. Samples are packaged and shipped for testing (see
Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org. Practices D5079).

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 D2113 − 14
5. Significance and Use systems, casing, rods, core barrels, including bits and liners,
5.1 Rock cores are samples of record of the existing and pumps with circulating system. In addition, equipment
subsurface conditions at given borehole locations. The samples should include necessary tools for hoisting and coupling and
are expected to provide indications about the geological, uncoupling the drill string and other miscellaneous items such
physical, and engineering nature of the subsurface for use in as prefabricated mud pits and racks for rod stacking and layout.
the design and construction of an engineered structure. The Normally, a drilling platform of planking is built up around the
core samples need to be preserved using specific procedures for drilling site.
a stipulated time (Practices D5079). The period of storage NOTE 2—This standard is a practice and while the apparatus given is the
depends upon the nature and significance of the engineered most common type, this does not preclude the use of other current or
structure. future drilling technologies.

5.2 Rock cores always need to be handled such that their 6.1.1 Rock coring operations can proceed at high rotation
properties are not altered in any way due to mechanical damage rates. It is imperative the drill rig, rods, and core barrels are
or changes in ambient conditions of moisture and temperature straight and have a balanced center of gravity to avoid
or other environmental factors. whipping and resulting damage to cores and expensive bits.
6.2 Drilling Rig— The drill rig provides the rotary power
6. Apparatus and downward (or advance) force or hold-back force on the
6.1 General—Fig. 1 shows the schematic of a typical rock core barrel to core the rock. The preferred diamond drill coring
core drill setup (2). Essential components of the drilling equipment are designs with hydraulic or gear-driven variable
equipment include the drilling rig with rotary power, hoisting speed hollow spindle rotary drill heads, although some core

iTeh Standards
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ASTM D2113-14
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FIG. 1 Schematic of Typical Diamond Core Drill Set-up (2)

3
 D2113 − 14
rigs are manufactured with gear or chain pulldown/retract 6.3.1.2 Stabilize the borehole,
systems. Precise control over bit pressure can best be accom- 6.3.1.3 Cool and lubricate the bit,
plished by a variable setting hydraulic pulldown/retract system. 6.3.1.4 Control fluid loss,
Hydraulic systems are often equipped with a detent valve, 6.3.1.5 Drop cuttings into a settling pit,
which allows downfeed (or advance) rate to be set at a certain 6.3.1.6 Facilitate logging of the borehole, and
speed regardless of tool weight or down pressure exerted on the 6.3.1.7 Suspend cuttings in the drill hole during coring.
coring bit. Hydraulic feed drill rigs should be supplied with a 6.3.1.8 No single drill fluid mixture can satisfy all of the
hydraulic pressure gauge that can be related to bit pressures. above requirements perfectly. In the sections below, consider-
Deep hole drill rigs should be equipped with hydraulic hold- ations for materials that could be used in drilling medium are
back control so, if required, the full weight of the drill rods is given.
not exerted on the bit when drilling downward. Diamond drill 6.3.2 The pressure hose conducts the drilling fluid or air
rigs can apply high rotation rates as high as 1000 rpm as from the circulation pump or compressor to the swivel.
opposed to normal rotary drills operating at 60 to 120 rpm (3). 6.3.3 The swivel directs the drilling fluid or air to a rotating
Most diamond core drills are equipped with a mast and kelly or drill-rod column.
powered hoist for hoisting heavy drill strings. A second
6.3.4 Rotary Drilling with Water-based Drilling Fluids:
wireline hoist is helpful for wireline drilling.
6.3.4.1 The mud pit is a reservoir for the drilling fluid, and,
6.2.1 The drill rig frame is either skid or truck mounted and
if properly designed and used, provides sufficient flow velocity
should be equipped with a slide base for ease in working
reduction to allow separation of drill cuttings from the fluid
around the drill hole. In special cases, the drilling rig may be
before recirculation. The mud pit can be a shallow, open metal
mounted on a trailer, barge (for overwater drilling), or columns
tank with baffles or an excavated pit with some type of liner,
(for underground work). Some drill rigs are designed to be
and designed to prevent loss of drilling fluid. The mud pit can
broken down into several pieces for transport into remote
be used as a mixing reservoir for the initial quantity of drilling
areas. The drilling rig power unit may be powered by
fluid, and, in some circumstances, for adding water and
hydraulics, air, electricity, gas, or diesel. Most surface skid or
additives to the drilling fluid as drilling progresses. It may be
truck mounted rigs are diesel or gas powered.
iTeh Standards
necessary to have additional storage tanks for preparing fluids
6.2.2 Drilling directions are rarely vertical in underground while drilling progresses.
applications, and smaller rigs are frequently equipped with
6.3.4.2 The suction line, sometimes equipped with a foot
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swivel heads to accommodate drilling at angles. Special
accommodations must be made for holding and breaking rods
valve or strainer, or both, conducts the drilling fluid from the
mud pit to the fluid circulation pump.
when drilling at high angles into crowns of adits. Either top
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drive drill or column mount machines with hydraulic or
pneumatic rod jacks are equipped to handle up holes. For
6.3.4.3 The fluid circulation pump must be able to lift the
drilling fluid from the mud pit and move it through the system
against variable pumping heads at a flow rate to provide an
confined space drilling operations, drills are column mounted
annular velocity that is adequate to transport drill cuttings out
or mounted on small skids. Special power sources ASTM
may D2113-14
be
of the drill hole.
required for underground work due to air quality consider-
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ations. Remote power pack stations usually electric, hydraulic, 6.3.4.4 Water-based Drilling Fluids—The four main classes
compressed air, or a combination of the three. Electrically of water-based drilling fluids are: (1) clean, fresh water, (2)
powered hydraulic systems are most common in underground water with clay (bentonite) additives, (3) water with polymeric
use today additives, and (4) water with both clay and polymer additives.
For commonly used materials added to water-based fluid, see
6.2.3 The platform may need to be constructed at the
Section 7 on Materials.
drilling site to provide a firm base upon which the drill rig is
(1) Clean fresh water alone is often not acceptable for core
then placed. Platforms are also constructed in the vicinity of
drilling due to poor bit lubrication, erosion due to high
the drill hole for workers to hold equipment, serve as a datum,
velocities required for lifting cuttings, and excessive water
and to allow safe operations.
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

4
 D2113 − 14
diamond drilling, low solids content is desirable. If mass is rings and bit balling may occur. For some geologic conditions,
required to balance high hydrostatic pressures, additives such water injected into the air stream will help control dust or break
as barite or ilmenite (see 7.1.8) can be added to keep solids down “mud rings” that can form on the drill rods. If water is
contents low. injected, the depth(s) of water injection should be documented.
(3) The need for low solids contents and good lubrication In these cases, adding water and a foaming agent to make a
properties point to the use of polymer drill fluids. Natural or misting mixture is desirable (3). Under other circumstances, for
synthetic polymer fluids are the best additives for diamond core example if the borehole starts to produce water, injection of a
drilling. Polymer chains such as those from guar gum exhibit foaming agent may be required. The depth at which a foaming
flow thinning characteristics in high velocity and shear condi- agent is added should also be recorded. If water infiltration into
tions. Polymer fluids can be weighted with salts to balance the borehole impedes circulation, the use of stiffer foams or
hydrostatic pressures. Detergents or deflocculating agents can slurries may be needed (3). Air drilling may not be satisfactory
be added to discharge lines to assist in dropping cuttings to in unconsolidated or cohesionless soils under the groundwater
maintain fluid properties. table, and fluid drilling systems may be required.
(4) Fluid management requires considerable experience for
successful drilling and sampling. Important fluid parameters 6.3.5.3 The dust collector conducts air and cuttings from the
include viscosity and density, and these parameters can be borehole annulus past the drill rod column to an air cleaning
tested to improve fluid properties. Test Method D4380 and device (cyclone separator).
American Petroleum Institute (API) test procedures are avail- 6.3.5.4 The air cleaning device (cyclone separator) sepa-
able for testing drill fluids. Fluid design can be improved by rates cuttings from the air returning from the borehole via the
consultation with manufacturers, suppliers, and by review of dust collector. A properly sized cyclone separator can remove
literature (2-8). Because of a large number of suppliers, practically all of the cuttings from the return air. A small
varying grades of drill fluid products, and varying requirements quantity of fine particles is usually discharged to the atmo-
of each project, providing an exact procedure for design and sphere with the “cleaned” air. Some air cleaning devices
mixing of drill fluids, is impossible. consist of a cyclone separator alone and others use a cyclone
6.3.5 Rotary Drilling Using Air As the Circulation Medium: separator combined with a power blower and sample collection
iTeh Standards
6.3.5.1 The air compressor should provide an adequate
volume of air, without significant contamination, for removal
filters. When foaming agents are used, a cyclone-type cuttings
separator is not used and foam discharge is accumulated near

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of cuttings. Air requirements depend upon the drill rod and bit
type, character of the material penetrated, depth of drilling
below groundwater level, and total depth of drilling. Airflow
the top of the borehole.
6.4 Hole Diameters— Selection of hole diameter and core

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rate requirements are usually based on an annulus upflow (or
outflow) air velocity of about 3000 to 4000 ft/min (1000 to
size
coring
is the most important consideration when planning a
program. Most rock coring operations are performed
1300 m/min) although air upflow (or outflow) rates of less than with casings and core barrels whose sizes have been standard-
3000 ft/min (1000 m/min) are often adequate for cuttings ized by the Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association
ASTM D2113-14
(DCDMA) (5,10). Table 1 provides a summary of nomencla-
transport. Special reaming shells may be required to maintain
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circulation between the annulus of the hole wall and large ture used for drill hole sizing. For each size of hole, there is a
diameter drill rods (9). For some geologic conditions, air-blast family of casings, core barrels, bits, casing bits, and drill rods
erosion may increase the borehole diameter in easily eroded with the same primary letter symbol (A through Z) whose
materials such that the 1000 m/min (3000 ft/min) circulation design is compatible. Furthermore, the size steps are such that
rate may not be appropriate for cuttings transport. the next smaller size letter equipment can be used inside the
6.3.5.2 Compressed air alone often can transport cuttings next larger group. This nesting of casings, barrels, and rods
from the borehole and cool the bit. Pure air alone does not allows for tapering or telescoping of a drill hole through
work well in very moist soils. In moist, clayey matrices, mud difficult formations. Since the core barrel must pass through the

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

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 D2113 − 14
casings selected, anticipating the necessity for telescoping the barrel. In some cases, flush coupled drive pipe can be used to
hole is important so a large enough diameter is selected at the support the hole. Drive pipe is available in thickness schedules
start. 40, 80, and 160.
NOTE 3—Inclusion of the following tables and use of letter symbols in 6.5.1 Casing and drill rod selection should be based on
the foregoing text is not intended to limit the practice to use of DCDMA uphole (or outflow) velocity of the circulation system selected.
tools. The table and the text references are included as a convenience to Uphole (or outflow) velocity should be sufficient to bring up all
the user since the majority of tools in use do meet the DCDMA drill cuttings.
dimensional standards. Similar equipment of approximately equal size on
the metric standard system is acceptable unless otherwise stipulated by the 6.5.2 Casing or temporary drill hole support can be accom-
engineer or geologist. plished through several methods. One casing advancement
6.4.1 Core diameter, barrel design, bit design, and drilling technique is to drill incrementally ahead of the casing and then
method have a direct influence on sample quality. Usually drive the casing to the previous depth. Driven casings should
when drilling in delicate formations, larger diameter samples be equipped with a hardened shoe to protect end threads. The
provide higher quality samples. Often, obtaining samples of the inside diameter of the shoe should be flush with the casing
weaker seams or joints in the rock is critical to design. A larger inside diameter to avoid hang-ups of the core barrel. In some
diameter core barrel can often reduce shearing stresses im- cases, water-sensitive zones may require cementing for stabi-
parted to a seam or joint in the core and thus reduce mechanical lization. Casing can be equipped with diamond casing shoes
breakage. For core operations related to most surface drilling that allow the casing to be advanced with rotary drilling. The
project explorations, the minimum core size would correspond casing shoe should have the same inside diameter as the casing.
to “N” sized borings. Casing “shoes” should not be confused with casing “bits” (10).
6.4.2 In concrete coring operations, the primary consider- Casing bits are only acceptable for temporary, rotary installa-
ation for selecting a core diameter is the maximum size tion of casing where coring operations are not required, such as
aggregate. For interface shear strength determinations on lift temporary installation of a large diameter telescoped casing.
lines, the core diameter should be 21⁄2 to 3 times the maximum Casing “bits” have an inside diameter that is not large enough
size aggregate (11) . to pass a core barrel of the same nominal hole size. Hollow-

iTeh Standards
6.4.3 In underground hard rock drilling, smaller cores may stem augers may be used as casing through overburden soils.
be used for ease of operation. Liners may be used inside large diameter casings or augers to
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6.5 Casing—For most coring operations, setting casings in
necessary, especially near the
surface to control drill fluid circulation. Typically, water-
If liners are used, they should not be driven and care should be
taken to maintain true hole alignment.

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sensitive soils and loose overburden soils are protected by
casings that are set in competent bedrock or to firm seating at
6.6 Drill Rods—Drill rod selection should be based on
consideration of the uphole (or outflow) velocity of the
an elevation below the water-sensitive formation. The casing circulating fluids for the circulation system selected. Uphole
used should allow for unobstructed passage of the largest
ASTMcore velocity should be sufficient to bring up all drill cuttings. Most
D2113-14
barrel to be used, and should be free of upsets in inside drilling operations are done with DCDMA drilling rods con-
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diameter. A listing of DCDMA casing sizes is shown in Table forming to the dimensions given in Table 2. Drill rods are
1. For rock coring operations, the flush inside diameter “W” normally constructed of tubular steel and have a flush outside
series casing is used to allow for use of the matching core wall diameter. Drill rod sections usually have threaded female

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

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connections machined in each end. The rods are connected by TABLE 4 American Petroleum Institute Drill Rod Dimensions (12)
either removable or welded pins (in one end) strengthened by API Tool Joints—Regular External Flush (in.-lb System)
addition of material at the inside walls. Some drill rod pins are Type/size Rod o.d. (in.) Rod o.d. (mm) Rod i.d. (in.) Rod i.d. (mm)
API 2- ⁄8
3 3.125 79.4 1 25.4
constructed of high strength steel because the joints are a weak API 2-7⁄8 3.75 95.3 1.25 31.8
link and are subject to failure. Some larger rods are composed API 3-1⁄2 4.25 108.0 1.5 38.1
of composite materials to reduce weight. Nonmagnetic rods are API 4 5.25 133.4 1.75 44.5
API 4-1⁄2 5.75 146.1 2.25 57.2
available for drill holes requiring use of magnetic surveying API 5 1⁄2 6.75 171.5 2.75 69.9
equipment. API 6 5⁄8 7.75 196.9 3.5 88.9
6.6.1 Tables 3 and 4 lists dimensions of wireline and API API 7 ⁄8
5 8.88 225.6 4.0 101.6.
API 8 5⁄8 10.0 25.4 4.75 120.7
drill rods that also can be used. Wireline drill rod dimensions API Tool Joints—Regular Internal Flush
are not standardized and are specific to individual manufactur- Type/size Rod o.d. (in.) Rod o.d. (mm) Rod i.d. (in.) Rod i.d. (mm)
ers. The API internal flush joint rods have upset walls on the API 2-3⁄8 3.375 85.7 1.75 44.5
API 2-7⁄8 4.125 104.8 2.125 54.0
outside joint and should not be used in air drilling, as air API 3-1⁄2 4.75 120.7 2.687 68.3
erosion of the formation could occur at the joints. API 4 5.75 146.1 3.25 82.6
API 4- ⁄2
1 6.125 155.6 3.75 95.3
6.7 Conventional Core Barrels—Many types of core barrels
are available. A conventional core barrel is attached to the
drilling rods (see 6.6) and the complete set of connected rods
and barrel must be removed from the hole at the end of each 6.7.2 For most explorations and when rock types are
core run. Torque is applied to the drill rods while the unknown, it is desirable to specify a swivel type, double tube
circulating fluid is pumped through the center of the drill rods core barrel with a split inner barrel, or solid inner barrel with
to the bit. Fluid returns along the annulus between the borehole split liners (also known as “triple tube”). The barrel should be
wall and barrel and drill rods. Conventional barrels are used in equivalent to, or better than, “M” series design to reduce fluid
smaller drilling operations, such as short underground holes, or exposure. If the formation is poorly lithified, and contains
when intermittent sampling is to be performed. Most continu- soil-like layers such as shales with interbedded clay seams, a
ous high production coring today is performed with wireline large diameter core barrel may be specified to aid in recovery.
equipment. iTeh Standards
6.7.1 Several series of conventional core barrels have stan-
These desired components are discussed below.
6.7.3 Core barrels generally come in 5- or 10-ft core run
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dardized dimensions set by the DCDMA (10) in North
America. Other organizations such as the British Standards
lengths. Ten-foot core runs can be performed with good rock
conditions. If soft, friable, or highly fractured formations are

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Institute have adopted DCDMA size conventions, while others encountered, it may be necessary to select barrels with 5-ft core
have different standard dimensions such as metric or Swedish runs to reduce the possibility of blockages and improve core
(Craelius) (4). The DCDMA WG, WM, WT series of barrels recovery.
have standard dimensions as shown in Table 5. Most manu- 6.7.4 Important design components of a conventional core
facturers make core barrels fitting the dimensional ASTM D2113-14
require- barrel are tube type (triple, double, or single), inner tube
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ments of one of these series, but there may be variation of other rotation (rigid or swivel), core bit type, including fluid dis-
design features such as inner liners, bearings, fluid routing, or charge locations (internal discharge - contacting core, or face
core extrusion methods. Some manufacturers make core bar- discharge and waterway design), core lifter, and reaming shell.
rels that do not fit dimensional DCDMA standards for core 6.7.5 Single Tube Core Barrel—The single tube core barrel
diameters. An example is the “D3 and D4” series core barrels is the simplest in design (see Fig. 2). The core is subjected to
shown in Table 5. Use of other nonstandardized core barrels is drill fluid circulation over its entire length. Once the core in the
acceptable if the type of barrel is appropriate for the drilling barrel is broken from parent material, it will rotate with the
conditions and the type of barrel used is reported. assembly. These effects break up all but the most competent

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.

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 D2113 − 14
TABLE 5 Approximated Core and Hole Diameters for Core fluid. The bottom of the core may be subjected to fluid
Barrels exposure depending on the locations of fluid discharge. Some
Set bit dimension barrel designs have fluid discharge near the lifter, near the bit,
A
Set reaming shell
Core barrel inside diameter
type/group = core diameter
= hole diameter or on the bit face (see 6.7.7). The advantage of double tube
in. mm in. mm design is greater protection of the core. Washing erosion is
Conventional Core BarrelsB reduced and weaker zones can be recovered.
RWT (d) 0.735 18.7 1.175 29.8
EWD3 0.835 21.2 1.485 37.7 6.7.6.1 The inner barrel of double tube core barrels may be
EWG (s.d.), EWM (d) 0.845 21.5 1.485 37.7 either solid or split. The barrel may be designed to accept split
EWT (d) 0.905 23.0 1.485 37.7
AWD3, AWD4 1.136 28.9 1.890 48.0
liners. Barrels accepting liners require a special inside diameter
AWG (s.d.), AWM (d) 1.185 30.1 1.890 48.0 bit gauge. Use of a split barrel or inner liners is preferred for
AWT (d) 1.281 32.5 1.890 48.0 easier handling of cores. Sections of the cores containing weak
BWD3, BWD4 1.615 41.0 2.360 59.9
BWG (s.d.), BWM (d) 1.655 42.0 2.360 59.9
seams are more likely to remain intact. The cores may be rolled
BWT (s.d.) 1.750 44.4 2.360 59.9 onto PVC half rounds. The use of split liners or PVC half
NWD3, NWD4 2.060 52.3 2.980 75.7 rounds aids in placement of core in core boxes and handling of
NWG (s.d.), NWM (d) 2.155 54.7 2.980 75.7
NWT (s.d.) 2.313 58.8 2.980 75.7
cores that require sealing for moisture preservation. In certain
HWD3, HWD4 2.400 61.1 3.650 92.7 materials, such as expansive shales or blocked high fractured
HWG (s.d.) 3.000 76.2 3.907 99.2 materials, the split liner may spring apart even though it is
HWT (s.d.) 3.187 80.9 3.907 99.2
DCDMA Large Diameter—Double-Tube Swivel—Core Barrels
taped before sampling. In these cases, removing the inner
2 3⁄ 4 × 3 7⁄ 8 2.690 68.3 3.875 98.4 barrel may be difficult. Remedies include use of a shorter core
4 × 5 1⁄2 3.970 100.8 5.495 139.3 barrel, triple tube design with extruder (see 6.7.7.1), or the
6 × 7 3⁄4 5.970 151.6 7.750 196.8
Wireline Core Barrel SystemsC
solid liner.
AXWL (joy) 1.016 25.8 1.859 47.2 6.7.6.2 Double tube core barrels come in two designs, either
AQWL 1.065 27.1 1.890 48.0 rigid or swivel type.
BXWL 1.437 36.5 2.375 60.3
BQWL 1.432 36.4 2.360 60.0 (1) Rigid Double Tube Barrel—This barrel is rarely used in
BQ3WL 1.313 33.4 practice today due to limitations listed below. In the rigid barrel
iTeh Standards
2.360 60.0
NXWL 2.000 50.8 2.984 75.8
NQWL 1.875 47.6 2.980 75.7
design, the inner barrel is fixed and it spins at the same rate as
NQ3WL 1.75 44.4 2.980 75.7 the outer barrel. Rigid tube barrels have fewer working parts,
HXWL
HQWL
HQ3WL
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2.400
2.500
2.375
61.0
63.5
60.3
3.650
3.790
3.790
92.7
96.3
96.3
but suffer from similar disadvantages as single tube barrels.
Core recovery is poor and diamond wear in friable and

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CPWL 3.345 85.0 4.827 122.6 fractured formations is excessive. In softer deposits, there will
PQWL 3.345 85.0 4.827 122.6 be rotation of broken core, core blockage, and resulting
PQ3WL 3.25 82.6 4.827 122.6
A
crushing and grinding, which causes excessive bit wear. This
s = single tube; d = double tube.
B
Conventional double-tube core barrels are available in either rigid or swivel
type of design is not preferred for routine explorations where
designs. The swivel design inner barrel is preferred for sampling becauseASTM D2113-14
it aids in rock conditions are not known, as the equipment is only
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preventing core rotation. In general, smallest core for given hole size results in best
recovery in difficult conditions, that is, triple-tube core barrels. Use of double-tube-
acceptable in hard competent formations.
swivel type barrels with split liners is recommended in geotechnical explorations (2) Swivel Type Double Tube Barrels—In the swivel type
for best recovery and least sample damage. barrel (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show typical barrels) the inner barrel
C
Wireline dimensions and designations may vary according to manufacturer. is connected to the drill string through a bearing that allows the
inner barrel to remain stationary during coring. The core is
completely protected once it enters the liner. This design
core (4, 12). Because of fluid exposure and rotational effects, reduces rock crushing and grinding and resulting blockages.
this barrel should not be used to sample weak, friable, and Depending on the fluid discharge point, the core may be
water-sensitive materials. Additional disadvantages of this core exposed to fluids near the bottom of the barrel and there could
barrel include: poor diamond performance of the cutting bit in be erosion of soft or fractured formations.
fractured or friable formations, frequent core blocking, and (3) Double tube swivel type core barrels are the best
severe diamond erosion due to re-drilling of broken fragments. selection for drilling rock of varying hardness and fracture.
This system is only suitable for sampling massive, hard, This type of barrel is typically the minimum requirement when
competent, homogeneous rock or concrete. Due to these drilling explorations are for engineering structures where
disadvantages, this core barrel type is not recommended for varying conditions would be encountered.
routine explorations. 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 exploration is solely
of double tube swivel type barrels should be considered. for logging of cores, the use of solid acrylic liners may be
6.7.6 Double Tube Core Barrel—Double tube core barrels 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

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 D2113 − 14

iTeh Standards
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ASTM D2113-14
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FIG. 2 Diagram of Two Types of Core Barrels: (a) Single Tube and (b) Double Tube

systems. These systems help with removing the inner liners by inserted. Due to the simplicity of design, these barrels are the
use of a piston in the top of the inner barrel. This feature is most rugged, with fewer parts and less maintenance. The only
especially helpful if split liners are bowed apart by lateral disadvantage is that the fluid exits above the lifter and the
expansion of the core. The extrusion systems allow for simple bottom of the core is exposed to fluids during drilling.
loading and unloading of liners. 6.7.8.2 The “M” design core barrel is the best available tool
6.7.8 Conventional Barrel Standardized Designs—DCDMA for recovering of rock cores even in the most friable and caving
standardized barrels come in three designs, WG, WM, and WT stratums. The inner barrel is equipped with a lifter case that
series. extends into the bit shank and therefore reduces exposure of the
6.7.8.1 The “G” series barrels are the most simple in design core to fluid during drilling. The fluid only contacts the core
and have a simple pin threaded bit into which the core lifter is near the crown of the bit, and washing or eroding of the core

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 D2113 − 14

iTeh Standards
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ASTM D2113-14
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FIG. 3 Typical Double Tube Swivel Type-Conventional Core Barrel

is minimized. Face discharge bits are also available for almost less torque for drilling. It gives good performance in hard,
no core exposure to fluids. The DCDMA “M” designs have dense, and friable shattered rock formations (4). This type of
been modified by individual manufacturers. Barrels such as the core barrel is thin and lightweight and must be handled with
D4 type barrels are equivalent to “M” design barrels. care.
6.7.8.3 The “T” series design stands for thin walled or thin 6.7.9 Large Diameter, Double Tube, Swivel Design—The
kerf. This design provides larger core-to-hole size ratio. This large diameter conventional core barrel is similar in design to
barrel style has a thin kerf and requires fewer diamonds and the double tube, swivel type, “WM” design, but with the

10