Business Details
12 Years
experience
Geotechnical and Environmental Drilling Services in Somerset
Established in 2014, Cook Ground Investigation is a geotechnical and environmental drilling contractor based in Castle Cary, Somerset. Our director, Ben Cook, brings over two decades of expertise in land drilling, including window sampling, cable percussion, and rotary drilling techniques. All operatives hold NVQ Level 2 qualifications and CSCS Skilled Worker certifications, ensuring adherence to industry standards. We specialise in window sample drilling, in-situ testing, dynamic probing, and diamond concrete coring, serving clients across the South West, West Country, South Wales, London, and the Midlands. Our Archway Competitor tracked rigs and Hilti diamond coring systems enable efficient operations in challenging environments, including ecologically sensitive sites and residential areas.We prioritise health, safety, and environmental compliance, maintaining detailed risk assessments, COSHH evaluations, and quality management systems. Our commitment to client collaboration ensures projects meet specified timescales and budgets while delivering accurate subsurface data through groundwater and ground gas monitoring installations. Recent projects include supporting the restoration of St David's Church in Exeter under lottery-funded initiatives.
Services
Window Sampling
Concrete Coring
Dynamic Probing
Monitoring Wells
Trial Pits
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 20 years' experience in geotechnical drilling techniques
- NVQ-qualified operatives with CSCS certifications
- Specialist equipment for challenging access environments
- Comprehensive health, safety and environmental compliance documentation
- Proven track record in ecologically sensitive site operations
Associations and certifications
- NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling
- CSCS Skilled Person
Services
Window Sampling
Our window sampling technique collects continuous soil samples using driven metal barrels with plastic liners. This method provides accurate stratigraphic data for engineering assessments while maintaining sample integrity. The process allows immediate on-site logging by engineers, with options for sealed sample preservation.
Concrete Coring
We utilise Hilti DD 350-CA systems for diamond concrete coring in diameters from 100mm to 500mm. Our equipment handles structural testing requirements and starter pit creation, operating independently or alongside drilling rigs with petrol generator support for remote sites.
Dynamic Probing
Super Heavy Dynamic Probing (DPSH) assesses ground density using calibrated equipment that records blow counts at 100mm intervals. This method identifies subsurface variations to depths of 15 metres, producing detailed penetration resistance profiles for foundation design.
Monitoring Wells
We install groundwater and landgas monitoring systems within completed boreholes. Our installations include surface security measures and detailed completion records, providing long-term data collection capabilities for environmental assessments and remediation projects.
Trial Pits
Hand-excavated inspection pits provide visual access to subsurface conditions for utility verification and foundation assessments. We reinstate sites to original condition after completing required investigations and sample collection.
People
Ben Cook
Director
With 20 years' experience in geotechnical drilling, Ben established the company in 2014. He holds NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling and CSCS Skilled Person qualifications, overseeing all operational and technical aspects.
Jack
Lead Driller
Recently qualified with Lead Driller NVQ, Jack specialises in operating Archway Competitor rigs and Hilti coring systems. He contributes to maintaining technical standards across all field operations.
Questions
What areas do you cover for drilling projects?
We operate throughout the South West, West Country, South Wales, London, and Midlands regions with flexible mobilisation capabilities.
What drilling methods do you offer?
Our services include window sampling, dynamic probing, concrete coring, monitoring well installations, and trial pit excavations.
Are your team members qualified?
All operatives hold NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling and CSCS Skilled Worker certifications with ongoing professional development.
Can you work on environmentally sensitive sites?
Yes, we have experience operating in SSSIs, SPAs, and SACs with tailored access and environmental protection measures.
How do you ensure drilling accuracy?
We maintain calibrated equipment with documented hammer calibration certificates and follow strict procedural documentation protocols.
