Geotechnical Direct Sensing in the Northern Territory
At Legion Drilling, our direct sensing capability continues to support mining and environmental projects across Australia. One of our recent programs took our team to a tailings storage facility in the Northern Territory, where we delivered a multi‑method subsurface investigation designed to capture accurate, high‑resolution geotechnical data.
This project highlights the strength of our direct sensing toolkit and our ability to operate safely and efficiently across complex sites throughout the NT.
Understanding the Ground: Why Direct Sensing Matters
Tailings storage facilities demand precise geotechnical insight. Soil behaviour, strength, and sensitivity can vary significantly across a site, and traditional drilling alone often can’t provide the level of detail required for confident decision‑making.
That’s where direct sensing comes in.
One of our Direct Sensing Technicians, the Legion team deployed several complementary in‑situ testing systems to build a detailed understanding of the subsurface conditions.
Our Approach: Multi‑Method Direct Sensing
To capture a complete picture of the soil profile, we used a sequence of high‑resolution testing methods:
CPTu Testing
CPTu provides continuous measurements of soil parameters, allowing us to classify soil behaviour type and identify target layers for further investigation. This forms the backbone of many of our direct sensing programs.
Vane Shear Testing
Once softer horizons were identified, we used vane shear testing to measure undrained shear strength directly in situ. This method is ideal for soft, sensitive soils where sample disturbance can affect results.
Piston Sampling
To support laboratory analysis, we recovered relatively undisturbed samples using our piston sampling system. This technique is essential for understanding the behaviour of sensitive or low‑strength materials.
Together, these methods allowed us to target specific layers with the most suitable tool, improving data quality and reducing unnecessary disturbance.
Project Outcomes
The program delivered:
High‑resolution geotechnical data across multiple soil layers
Successful recovery of undisturbed samples for advanced lab testing
Smooth, efficient field operations using multiple direct sensing systems
Improved understanding of soil behaviour for tailings facility management
This integrated approach ensures our clients receive the detailed information needed to make safe, informed decisions about tailings performance and long‑term stability.
Why This Project Matters
Tailings facilities in the Northern Territory present unique geotechnical challenges. By combining CPTu, vane shear, and piston sampling, Legion Drilling demonstrated our ability to deliver specialised direct sensing services across remote and complex sites.
Our team’s expertise, combined with our advanced equipment, ensures we can support mining, civil, and environmental projects across the NT with confidence and precision.
Legion Drilling: Supporting Projects Across Australia
With multiple operational hubs, Legion Drilling provides specialist drilling and direct sensing services across:
Sydney, NSW — 11–13 Metters Place, Wetherill Park 2565
Brisbane, QLD — 57 Unwin St, Pinkenba 4008
Townsville, QLD — 56 Punari Street, Currajong 4812
Albury–Wodonga Region — servicing NSW/VIC border communities
Our teams support mining, civil, environmental, and tailings projects throughout New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and regional Australia.