drm logo
(647) 558-8505
Get in touch

Drill Into Concrete — University Core Drilling + Trenching (International Case)

Location: International university facility (St. Petersburg)
Client: University / facilities team (site contact: Darya)
Services: Drill into concrete (core drilling) + GPR scanning + small trenching & removal
Scope: 4 cores total + 20 ft trench
Schedule: 1 day

drill_into_concrete_2

Project overview
The client needed new pipe penetrations through a concrete slab at a university. Our scope included drilling four holes for new lines and completing a short trench section for routing.

Because there was live electrical equipment below the drilling area, water control was not optional. We had to drill safely, prevent runoff, and keep the area below protected.

gpr_scanning_1

The scope
• Core drilling: 4 holes, 3 in diameter, 40 in deep (through slab/structure)
• Trenching: 20 ft long × 1 ft wide, cut and removed
• GPR scanning: scanned the work area for electrical cables/conduits before drilling and trenching

drill_into_concrete_3

The challenges
Live electrical risk below: water spill could damage equipment and create a serious safety hazard.
Water/slurry control: wet drilling requires a plan to collect slurry and prevent runoff.
Zero blind work: we scanned first to reduce the risk of hitting electrical lines and to keep the drilling locations clean and intentional.

drill_into_concrete_4

Our work

  1. GPR scanning of the slab and trench path to identify electrical cables/conduits before any cutting or drilling.
  2. Controlled wet core drilling: 4 penetrations (3 in × 40 in) with strict water control and catch/containment below.
  3. Trench cutting and removal: 20 ft × 1 ft section prepared for routing, following the scanned path.
  4. Cleanup and handoff: slurry and debris managed so the client could proceed without additional prep.
floor_trenching

Result
• All four core holes and the trench section completed in one day
• Water and slurry stayed controlled despite live electrical equipment below
• The site team completed their pipe work without damage or incidents

drill_into_concrete_5


Drill Into Concrete — Core Drilling FAQ

Common questions about deep core drilling, GPR scanning, and water control around live electrical infrastructure.

It usually refers to diamond core drilling—making precise round holes through slabs or walls for pipes, drains, sleeves, anchors, and mechanical/electrical runs.

GPR scanning helps locate embedded items (like conduits, cables, reinforcement zones) so the drilling plan is safer and more predictable—especially in buildings with live services.

You plan water control first: containment, catch, slurry management, and a clean handoff. The goal is to prevent any runoff below and keep the work safe around energized systems.

Yes, with the right setup and tooling. Depth, reinforcement density, and access conditions affect the approach and time required, but the process is routine for a trained crew.

Trenching is cutting a narrow section of slab (often for pipe/conduit routing), removing the concrete, and preparing a clean channel for the next trade to install and patch.

Address + floor/level, hole list (diameter/quantity/depth), what’s below the drilling area (finished space, equipment, live systems), access hours, and photos/markups.