How We (TerraForma Drilling) Solved a Tight-Access Site Investigation Without Compromising the Bore Plan
4 boreholes at a narrow Inner West Sydney site in 1 day. Ute-mounted SFA rig through a sub-3m driveway. Full bore plan completed without relocating a single borehole.
The Challenge: When Standard Drilling Equipment Couldn't Reach the Site
A geotechnical consultant brought in TerraForma Drilling to investigate a residential site in Sydney's Inner West. While the investigation scope was straightforward, the site itself wasn't.
With a driveway less than three metres wide, an existing building along one boundary, and low-hanging vegetation, a standard track-mounted drilling rig simply couldn't reach the nominated borehole locations.
The consultant needed a geotechnical drilling contractor for tight-access residential sites in Sydney who could complete the investigation without changing the bore plan or damaging the property.
The Solution: The Right Rig Made the Difference
Instead of changing the investigation scope, we deployed our ute-mounted Solid Flight Auger (SFA) rig. Its compact footprint made it ideally suited to the site's restricted access conditions.
This compact rig let the team easily move through the narrow entrance and set up directly over each planned borehole, even under low-hanging branches.
The field programme included:
- Mobilising the ute-mounted SFA rig through the restricted site entrance.
- Completing four boreholes to the specified investigation depths across both the front and rear of the property.
- Carrying out Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) at the required intervals in accordance with AS 1289.6.3.1.
- Collecting U50 undisturbed samples and disturbed bulk soil samples as specified by the investigation scope.
- Delivered bore logs in PDF format to the commissioning consultant on the same day fieldwork was completed.
The Outcome: Full Site Access Without Changing the Bore Plan
The entire investigation wrapped up in just one day, leaving the existing structure, paved driveway, and surrounding greenery untouched.
More importantly, TerraForma Drilling enabled the consultant to complete the investigation exactly as planned. The ute-mounted rig reached all four designated borehole locations that a conventional rig simply could not access from the property boundary.
With bore logs and retained samples delivered on the same day, the consultant was able to proceed with the geotechnical assessment and site classification report without unnecessary delays.
Why Tight-Access Projects Need the Right Drilling Equipment
On residential projects, restricted site access can determine whether an investigation proceeds as planned or requires changes to the bore plan.
Choosing the right drilling rig for narrow-lot sites in Sydney means you collect data exactly where the consultant needs it instead of having to relocate boreholes. The right equipment keeps the project on schedule and protects existing structures and landscaping.
“We thought we may have to move some of the bore locations because of the access. TerraForma managed to get their rig in and completed all four as per our bore plan. Very easy to work with.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If your site has narrow driveways, existing structures, or restricted overhead clearance, you'll need a geotechnical drilling contractor for tight-access residential sites in Sydney with equipment designed for confined conditions. TerraForma Drilling uses compact drilling rigs that can access challenging residential sites while completing investigations in accordance with the consultant's bore plan.
The most suitable drilling rig for a narrow-lot site investigation in Sydney depends on the site's access constraints and investigation requirements. Compact rigs, such as ute-mounted Solid Flight Auger (SFA) rigs, can often access locations that larger track-mounted rigs cannot, helping consultants complete investigations without relocating planned boreholes.
Yes. If you're looking for who can drill on a site with limited access in Sydney, TerraForma Drilling provides drilling solutions for residential and commercial projects with restricted access. Our compact equipment allows geotechnical consultants to complete borehole drilling, soil sampling, and in-situ testing while minimising disruption to existing structures, driveways, and landscaping.
Looking for a Drilling Contractor Who Can Drill on a Site with Limited Access in Sydney?
TerraForma Drilling provides specialised drilling equipment for restricted-access residential sites, helping geotechnical consultants complete investigations without compromising the planned borehole locations.