Summit Geoengineering Services (SGS) is a Maine based consulting firm founded on providing clients with responsive and professional geotechnical consulting and contributing to a successful project through our technical knowledge and expertise in soils and foundation engineering.
We spoke to Vice President & Principal Engineer Craig Coolidge at SGS about his experience with Vertek. Read on to learn why Summit relies on Vertek’s Drill Rig Conversion Kit for their geotechnical explorations.
What Vertek products do you use and what do you use them for?
At SGS we use the VTK CPT system with 5 ton and 10 ton seismic cones. They are used with our AMS Power Probes (track mounted 9500 VTR and truck mounted 9630 Pro) using a single point or dual point anchor system with control push feed. General use is for geotechnical explorations to obtain soil stratigraphy and engineering properties. Shear wave velocity testing is used to evaluate seismic site classification and liquefaction potential. Dissipation testing is used to evaluate groundwater pressure (sand) and coefficient of consolidation (clay). Geological conditions typically include marine deposits (clay) and alluvium deposits (sand). Tests are commonly performed to a depth of 100 ft or push refusal. CPT explorations are commonly done for in-house geotechnical engineering projects along with exploration services for other consultants and contractors requesting CPT work. SGS can provide raw CPT data or engineering processing of the CPT data including seismic design reports upon request of the client.
Where do you do most of your work?
SGS services New England from our offices in Lewiston and Rockland, Maine. Much of our work is in Maine but we have conducted engineering services and CPT explorations in all the New England States (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI).
What made you choose Vertek?
USA manufacturing and location in Vermont was a big plus. We felt that would provide better service and response for cone system calibration and repair when needed. Was also the recommended CPT system based upon previous collaboration between AMS and Vertek. We purchased both our first drill rig (AMS 9500 VTR) and CPT system (Vertek VTK) together in 2012. We were able to bring our new AMS rig to Vermont for setup, testing, and training of the VTK system. In addition, SGS was able to field test the prototype “hammerable” fuel (LIF) probe at Randolph VT to assist Vertek in their research and development of the probe (don’t think it was ever fully brought to production). Customer service provided by Carl Tracy was also a big plus in providing our VTK system for our AMS Power Probe.
What has your experience been interacting with Vertek service/support?
Repair and part availability has been good with quick turnaround between us in Maine and Vertek in Vermont. Recent work with Jesse Mastine has also been good for parts and technical support when needed. Wil (the CPT guru) has been helpful in trouble shooting deeper technical issues when needed. We have recently ordered a second VTK system to equip both of our AMS Power Probes independently. We will also be looking forward to a third VTK system next year when we eventually add our newest and largest track rig (AMS 9580 VTR) to our drilling fleet to expand and provide more CPT capability in New England.
Are you ready to discuss how the Drill Rig Conversion Kit can help you get jobs done faster and with more accuracy? Contact us today!
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