Micropile installation design

Abstract

A method and apparatus for excavating micropiles, measuring parameters at the micropile excavation site, and using the data to determine the settlement capacity of the micropile installation site.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] This invention was made with government support under contract DE-SC0020896 awarded by the DOE, U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 382,288, filed November 3, 2022. [Background technology]

[0003] background

[0003] Micropiles are small diameter piles (<250mm in diameter) that are drilled into the ground and cemented with grout. Once installed, micropiles can withstand a certain amount of vertical and / or horizontal load without shifting. One application of this ability to withstand loads is to anchor structures to the ground. Subsea micropiles build on terrestrial micropile technology to allow for installation into the seabed. Once installed on the seabed, subsea micropiles can provide anchorage similar to terrestrial micropiles. In some instances, multiple subsea micropiles can be connected via a steel drilling template to allow for greater anchorage capacity than a single micropile can provide. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] The amount of anchorage that a micropile or group of micropiles can provide depends on the ground conditions in which it is installed. Standard micropile design practice requires geotechnical and geophysical surveys to determine ground conditions. These surveys require specialized vessels and equipment that are costly and not readily available. There is a need for a low-cost solution to collect the data needed for micropile anchor design calculations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Overview of Exemplary Embodiments

[0006] One example embodiment may include a method of collecting geotechnical data during installation of a micropile, including using a micropile installation drill as a platform to support one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors, attaching a drill bit to the micropile installation drill, installing one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of the micropile installation drill, collecting data regarding drilling parameters from the micropile installation drill, alternating drilling and data collection procedures, collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with the micropile in the borehole, collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill rod in the borehole, collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill bit in the borehole, the drill bit being a hole having holes therein for passing one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors therethrough, and wherein the drilling equipment does not need to be removed from the borehole to collect the geotechnical and / or geophysical data.

[0006]

[0007] One exemplary embodiment may include a method of collecting geotechnical data during micropile installation, including using a micropile installation drill as a platform to support one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors, collecting data regarding drilling parameters from the micropile installation drill, and alternating drilling and data collection procedures, wherein the drilling equipment does not need to be removed from the borehole to collect the geotechnical and / or geophysical data.

[0007]

[0008] Variations of the exemplary embodiment may include attaching a drill bit to a micropile installation drill. It may include a drill bit having holes therein through which one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors are passed. It may include installing one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of the micropile installation drill. It may include collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a micropile in the borehole. It may include collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill rod in the borehole. It may include collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill bit in the borehole.

[0008]

[0009] An example embodiment may include a method for calculating the settlement capacity of a micropile during installation of the micropile, which includes aggregating data from one or more geotechnical geophysical sensors that collect data during the micropile installation process, using the aggregated data from the sensors to determine geotechnical parameters of the substrate in which the micropile is to be installed, and using the geotechnical parameters to calculate the settlement capacity of the micropile.

[0009]

[0010] Variations of the example embodiment may include using geophysical and / or geotechnical data available before micropile installation begins; using data regarding drilling parameters collected from a micropile installation drill; calculating the settlement capacity of multiple cooperating micropiles; calculating the micropile settlement capacity before the micropile installation drill is removed from the installation site; calculating the micropile settlement capacity after the micropile installation drill is removed from the installation site; using software for automatically calculating the settlement capacity of micropiles; using software for automatically calculating the settlement capacity of multiple cooperating micropiles.

[0010]

[0011] One example embodiment may include a method of collecting geotechnical data during installation of a micropile template, which includes creating a hole in the earth or seabed using a drill having a drill bit, and deploying a sensor using the drill to collect geophysical and / or geotechnical data.

[0011]

[0012] Variations of example embodiments may include collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with at least one drill rod and / or micropile in a borehole; collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill bit already in a borehole; mounting a drill onto a micropile template after the template has been placed on the ground or seabed at an intended micropile installation location; mounting a drill onto a micropile template before the template has been placed on the ground or seabed at an intended micropile installation location; using the collected data to calculate the settlement capacity of a micropile installed through the template; using the collected data to calculate the settlement capacity of multiple micropiles working together and installed through the template.

[0012]

[0013] One exemplary embodiment may include a latch system for connecting a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile or drill rod, including a wireline winch system capable of raising and lowering equipment below the center of the drill rod and / or micropile, a latch that connects to the geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor on one end and to the wireline winch system on the other end, a latch adapter that connects to the micropile or drill rod and engages with the latch, a latch block forming part of the latch that extends or retracts to allow the latch to lock onto or release from the latch adapter, a latch link that connects to the latch block and the latch wireline termination, the latch link retracting the latch block when tension is applied to the latch wireline termination, and a spring that extends the latch block when there is no tension on the latch wireline termination.

[0013]

[0014] One exemplary embodiment may include a system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system, comprising: a latch adapter having an upper end attached to a drill rod or micropile, a lower end attached to a drill bit, and a central longitudinal latch adapter cavity throughout the latch adapter having an interior wall and latch features thereon; a latch body at least partially within the latch adapter cavity, the latch body having a central longitudinal latch body cavity extending from the upper end into the latch body and at least one latch channel extending from the latch body cavity to an outer surface of the latch body; a cap having an open end attached to the upper end of the latch body and a closed upper end distal from the latch body, the cap having a through hole in the closed upper end creating a cap cavity between the cap upper end and the upper end of the latch body; a latch adapter at least partially within the cap cavity and at least partially within the latch body cavity; an actuator rod within the cavity, the actuator rod having an upper end attached to a cable and extending through a through hole in the upper end of the cap, a lower end within the latch body cavity, a shoulder portion having an outer diameter sufficiently large to prevent its entry into the latch adapter cavity, and a wire cavity longitudinally from its lower end to its upper end; a spring biasing the actuator rod away from the cap and toward the latch body; and at least one latch block within at least one latch channel connected to the actuator rod by at least one latch link, wherein the spring bias causes the at least one link to exert an outward radial force on the latch block, engaging the latch block with a latch feature on the inner wall of the drill adapter, and a force on the cable overcoming the spring bias causes the at least one link to exert an inward radial force on the latch block, disengaging the latch block from the latch feature on the inner wall of the drill adapter.

[0014]

[0015] Variations of the exemplary embodiment may include a tapered lead-in at an upper end of the drill adapter adapted to compress one or more latch blocks inward against a spring bias when the latch body is inserted into the drill adapter cavity. It may include the latch blocks transmitting a downward force from the drill rod or micropile to the latch body and at least one sensor attached to the lower end of the latch body. It may include the latch feature being a groove in an interior wall. It may include the drill adapter being integral with the drill bit.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference characters indicate like elements throughout the several views of the drawings. Briefly, the following is a description thereof: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary vessel at the ocean surface connected to a micropile system. [Figure 2] 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a micropile with attached sensors. [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a drill and a sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a nodule collector having multiple collector head embodiments of the collector. [Figure 5] 1 is a three-dimensional representation of a nodule collector having the above-described embodiment integrated with a substructure and tracks for mobility on the seabed. [Figure 6] 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In the following description, specific terms are used for the purposes of brevity, clarity, and illustration. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom; such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly interpreted. The various devices, systems, and method steps described herein can be used alone or in combination with other devices, systems, and method steps. It is to be understood that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0018]

[0018] Figure 1 depicts one embodiment of equipment and sensors for collecting the necessary geotechnical and geophysical data while drilling. In Figure 1, an "As-Installed Design", herein "ITD" system is shown as an exemplary embodiment. In one example, it utilizes a cone penetration test, herein "CPT", to perform the data collection, although several other types of sensors can be used to collect the data, including seismic cone penetration tests (SCPT), pressure gauge tests (PMT), Goodman Jack devices, cavity expansion pressure measurements, needle penetration tests, scratch tests, direct in-situ compressive strength measurements, x-ray diffraction, nuclear density meters, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), geophysical seismic imaging, Acoustic Zoom, and rotary vane tests.

[0019] Software for interpreting data to develop pile design criteria is widely available. It includes a drilling system management 1 and ITD data management collection 2 onboard a vessel 3. There is an outboard system 4, a drill umbilical 6, drilling mud supply 7, and an ITD umbilical 8 transitioning from the surface 5 to a micropile drill 14 located on the ground or seabed 15. If the application is on land rather than offshore, the vessel 3, outboard system 4, and surface 5 are absent, and the drill umbilical 6, drilling mud supply 7, and ITD umbilical 8 may or may not be present. In this exemplary embodiment, a seismic sensor 15 is located on the ground or seabed and is coupled to the ITD data management collection 2 via a seismic data cable 9. A wireline winch 10 raises or lowers a wireline umbilical 11 with a geophysical or geotechnical sensor 17 through a wireline mud valve 12.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1, the in-place design, herein "ITD" system, is used during operation of the micropile installation rig. The data collection software and TID hardware control are located in a shelter near the micropile installation drill control. The data collection component of the system consists of sensors that are deployed and retrieved through the drill rod string or the center of the micropile using a wireline system. A ball valve (mud valve) isolates the sensor system from the drill string during drilling by preventing passage through the drill motor.

[0021]

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the system operates by alternating between sensor deployment and drilling. The process for operating subsea ITD equipment is as follows: Upon reaching test depth, drilling is stopped and the drill is retracted at least a single drill or micropile rod length. The mud valve is opened and the wireline winch is paid out. This lowers the sensor through the center of the drive motor and down through the drill string. After the sensor tip extends through the hole in the center of the drill bit, a feature on the sensor system latches into place. In one exemplary embodiment, the instrumentation system collects geotechnical data from the interior surface of the borehole. In another exemplary embodiment, the instrumentation system is driven by the drill rig into the undrilled soil over the length of a single drill or micropile rod. Geotechnical or geophysical data is collected. The wireline winch retracts the wireline, which automatically detaches the sensor system from the drill string and raises it out. The sensor system is retracted by a wireline winch into a stowed position above the drill motor, the mud valves are closed and drilling resumes.

[0022] FIG. 2 schematically depicts one exemplary embodiment of the operation of a rig adapted for wireline CPT data collection. A wireline winch 10 is coupled to a wireline umbilical 11, which can be lowered through a wireline mud valve 12 and a drill rod or micropile 13. The ground or seabed is penetrated by a drill bit 20 to form a borehole 21. A latch assembly 18 is coupled to a latch adapter 19, which is coupled to the drill bit 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the first step is to drill to a test depth using standard drilling procedures, then raise the drill at least one drill rod length, stop the drilling mud flow, then open the wireline mud valve 12, and lower the sensor 17 and latch assembly 18 over the wireline through the drill rod or micropile to passively latch into a feature in the latch adapter 19. Here, the sensor, in this example a CPT probe, extends beyond the drill bit by approximately one drill or micropile rod length. The exemplary embodiment prepares to collect CPT data, then it begins vertically plunging the drill rig at 2 cm / sec. It plungs the length of one drill or micropile rod. It then stops plunging the drill rig. The wireline winch 10 maintains controlled back tension throughout the plunging. Once the data is collected, it reeles in the wireline to release the latch 18, hoist sensor 17, and latch assembly from the drill bit 20, secures and closes the wireline valve, and then resumes normal drilling activity.

[0023] 3 depicts one exemplary embodiment of the system components of a latch system used on a micropile. Wireline umbilical 11 is coupled to latch 18. Latch 18 is enclosed within latch adapter 19. Drill bit 20 is coupled to latch adapter 19. Rod 22 protrudes from drill bit 20 and includes a sensor, in this case a CPT, at its end.

[0024]

[0024] The digital data logger that powers the sensor receives the sensor data stream and is an off-the-shelf product that receives depth information from the rig used for this system.

[0025]

[0025] For purposes of this exemplary embodiment, communication between the wireline winch and the data collection equipment passes through spare conductors within the drill rig's umbilical and slip ring, although an alternative configuration could be a separate umbilical to the data collection system.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly is structurally mounted above the drill rig's drive motor such that the wire is centered directly on the wireline valve, which is centered on a cylindrical passageway through the drive motor. This allows the latch to drop through the drive motor and down the drill string as the winch is paid out. An alternative configuration may move the drill head out of the way, avoiding the need for the sensor system and latch to pass through the drive motor.

[0027]

[0027] An exemplary embodiment may include a low speed, high torque radial piston hydraulic drive motor. Depending on the capabilities of the drill rig, an electric motor and gearbox may also be used.

[0028] In operation of the exemplary embodiment, the winch pays out at a low tension set by the weight of the latch adapter and sensor assembly. When the latch adapter assembly engages, the winch wire transitions to zero tension. The winch then stops and enters a "constant tension" mode, which maintains a slight tension on the wire as it pays out while the drill rig presses down on the latch adapter and CPT assembly.

[0029] The wireline winch 10 has several other functions. It provides the pulling force to release the latch block during normal operation, which allows the latch adapter and sensor assembly to retract after a sensor push. If the downwire assembly becomes jammed or otherwise stuck, it will also need to provide additional pulling force. In a complete failure scenario, the winch will provide sufficient pulling force to separate the umbilical or wireline away from the stuck latch adapter and sensor assembly, thereby restoring normal operation of the drill rig and allowing the drill rig to be recovered.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, wireline umbilical 11 is a composite constructed from armor that also functions as a strength member and conductor within its core.

[0031]

[0031] In operation, the latch and sensor assembly drops into position and passively latches into the drill bit adapter.

[0032] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the latch system. The wireline umbilical 11 is coupled to an actuator rod 24, which is spring loaded. A latch block 25 is coupled to a latch link 26, which connects the latch assembly to the latch adapter 19 via latch features 30.

[0033] 4 includes a spring 23 that biases a latch block 25 to a "latched" position through an actuator rod 24. The latch block 25 moves laterally and is coupled to the actuator rod 24 by a latch link 26 that adjusts and limits its movement. The latch block 25 moves within a latch body 28, which is directly connected to the sensor rod 22 below and the cap 31 above.

[0034] The actuator rod 24 slides up and down within the latch body cavity 32. In the latching sequence, the latch block 25 remains in a "disengaged" or fully retracted position while it is lowered through the drill string into its operating position. A tapered lead-in at the top end of the drill adapter centers the sensor and sensor rod 22 as it is lowered. If the latch block is not fully retracted, the tapered lead-in compresses the latch block 25 due to the weight of the latch and sensor assemblies pulling downward on itself. The cap 31 is slightly larger in diameter than the latch body, which acts to rest on a shoulder at the same point where the latch block 25 snaps into a groove in the latch adapter 19. The latch assembly is now engaged and ready to begin pushing.

[0035] During assembly, wires from the meter are routed upward through the sensor rod 22 and joined to umbilical wires routed downward through the wire cavity 29. The umbilical armor wires are terminated in umbilical strength terminations.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a depiction of an exemplary embodiment of data flow for command and control.

[0037]

[0037] 101 is an example of estimated design inputs approved by the agency.

[0038]

[0038] 102 is an example of a graphical user interface.

[0039]

[0039] 103 is an example of specialized interpretation software for the sensor.

[0040]

[0040] 105 is an example of geotechnical characterization.

[0041]

[0041] 106 is an example of specialized pile axial load-bearing software.

[0042]

[0042] 107 is an example of specialized pile horizontal load-bearing software.

[0043]

[0043] 108 is an example of specialized pile group capacity software.

[0044]

[0044] 109 is an example of sensor data and rig data collection.

[0045]

[0045] 110 is an example of rig data acquisition from multiple sensors 113 including depth, RPM, rate of penetration and torque.

[0046]

[0046] 114 is an exemplary clock that synchronizes rig data acquisition 110 with sensor data acquisition 116.

[0047]

[0047] 116 is an exemplary embodiment of sensor data acquisition from multiple sensors 115, including tip resistance, sleeve friction, pore pressure and tilt.

[0048]

[0048] 117 is an exemplary embodiment of seismic sensor data.

[0049] 111 is an exemplary embodiment of the measurement of specific energy from the acquired data.

[0050]

[0050] 112 is an exemplary embodiment of the calculation of axial capacity from the specialized pile axial capacity software 106.

[0051]

[0051] 118 is an exemplary embodiment of horizontal capacity calculations from specialized pile horizontal capacity software 107.

[0052]

[0052] 119 is an exemplary embodiment of the group capacity 119 calculated from the professional pile group capacity software 108.

[0053] 124 is an exemplary embodiment of determining the lower design limit (LDB) 124 using the calculated axial capacity 112, lateral capacity 118 and group capacity 119, which results in a "yes" 120 and either terminating the operation or iterating 121 the pile length until the capacity meets or exceeds the lower design limit 124, or iterating 122 the pile number until the capacity meets or exceeds the lower design limit 124. Once the lower design limit is met, a proposed adjusted design to meet the requirement 123 may be determined.

[0054] The command and control station will be located on the deck of the anchor installation vessel or on the ground adjacent to the micropile installation rig. This will likely be a laptop computer in a convenient shelter, which will manage the operation of the ITD equipment. It will be configured to accept data from the drill rig and ITD instrumentation.

[0055] A "Control Screen" facilitates system operation and monitoring. It also allows for start-stop features for data collection. Winch control may include three modes: normal operation (retract, retract), a self-tensioning mode that allows the winch to retract or retract as needed to maintain a small, positive tension on the wireline wire during CPT push and retract movements, and an emergency mode that forces the winch to pull hard enough to break the shear pin in the wireline termination if the CPT assembly jams or buckles.

[0056]

[0056] Additional control features may include an interlockout switch that disables drill head rotation during winch operation and conversely disables winch operation during the drilling process. Data readouts provide active confirmation of incoming data, indicator lights verify communication, switches allow intermittent recording of incoming data, and switches open mud valves for wireline operation. On the external interface is a controller that allows calling third-party software tools to calculate actual pile capacity from measured soil conditions. The ITD system uses these results to adjust the number of piles or pile depth to achieve required performance. A results screen displays a comparison of the estimated and calculated performance of the micropile anchor. The screen also displays collected data. The example shown is pore pressure as a function of depth, highlighting the intermittent nature of the collected data.

[0057] 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a micropile process. A micropile installation drill is placed at an anchor location 201. One or more sensor systems are deployed via wireline 202. The sensors collect geophysical and / or geotechnical data 203. The sensors are retracted via wireline 204. The micropile installation drill is used to drill one length of drill rod or micropile 205. A determination is made whether the target depth has been reached 206. If the target depth has been reached, the process is complete 209. If the target depth has not been reached, one or more sensor systems are deployed 207 without removing the micropile and / or drill rod from the borehole. Geophysical and / or geotechnical data is collected 208. The sensors are then retracted via wireline 204. This loop continues until the process is complete 209.

Claims

1. 1. A method for collecting geotechnical data during installation of micropiles, comprising: using a micropile installation drill as a platform to support one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors; attaching a drill bit to said micropile installation drill; installing said one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of said micropile installation drill; collecting data regarding drilling parameters from said micropile installation drill; Alternating drilling and data collection procedures; collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data at micropiles in boreholes; collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill rod in said borehole; collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data at a drill bit in said borehole; Including, the drill bit having holes therein through which the one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors pass; A method wherein drilling equipment does not need to be removed from said borehole to collect geotechnical and / or geophysical data.

2. 1. A method for collecting geotechnical data during installation of micropiles, comprising: using a micropile installation drill as a platform to support one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors; collecting data regarding drilling parameters from said micropile installation drill; Alternating drilling and data collection procedures wherein the drilling equipment does not need to be removed from the borehole to collect the geotechnical and / or geophysical data.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising attaching a drill bit to the micropile installation drill.

4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: the drill bit having holes therein through which the one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors pass.

5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising installing the one or more geotechnical and / or geophysical sensors such that they do not interfere with the normal operation of the micropile installation drill.

6. The method of claim 2 further comprising collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data at a micropile in the borehole.

7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with a drill rod in the borehole.

8. The method of claim 2 , further comprising collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data at a drill bit in the borehole.

9. 1. A method for calculating the anchorage capacity of a micropile during installation of said micropile, comprising: aggregating data from one or more geotechnical geophysical sensors that collect data during the micropile installation process; using the aggregated data from the sensors to determine geotechnical parameters of a substrate onto which the micropile is installed; calculating the anchorage capacity of the micropile using the geotechnical parameters; A method comprising:

10. 10. The calculation method of claim 9, further comprising using geophysical and / or geotechnical data available before installation of the micropiles begins.

11. 10. The calculation method of claim 9, further comprising using data regarding drilling parameters collected from a micropile installation drill.

12. 10. The data collection method of claim 9, further comprising calculating the settling capacity of a plurality of cooperating micropiles.

13. 10. The calculation method of claim 9, further comprising calculating the micropile anchorage capacity before a micropile installation drill is removed from the installation site.

14. 10. The calculation method of claim 9, further comprising calculating the micropile anchorage capacity after the micropile installation drill is removed from the installation site.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising using software to automatically calculate the anchorage capacity of a micropile.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising using software to automatically calculate the anchorage capacity of a plurality of cooperating micropiles.

17. 1. A method for collecting geotechnical data during installation of a micropile template, comprising: making a hole in the ground or seabed using a drill with a drill bit; using said drill to deploy sensors for collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data; A method comprising:

18. 20. The data collection method of claim 17, further comprising collecting geophysical and / or geotechnical data with at least one drill rod and / or micropile in the borehole.

19. 20. The data gathering method of claim 17, further comprising gathering geophysical and / or geotechnical data with the drill bit already in the borehole.

20. 20. The data gathering method of claim 17, further comprising mounting the drill onto the micropile template after the template has been placed on the ground or seabed at an intended micropile installation location.

21. 20. The data gathering method of claim 17, further comprising mounting the drill onto the micropile template before the template is placed on the ground or seabed at an intended micropile installation location.

22. 20. The data collection method of claim 17, further comprising using the collected data to calculate an anchorage capacity of micropiles installed through the template.

23. 20. The data collection method of claim 17, further comprising using the collected data to calculate a setback capacity of a plurality of micropiles that cooperate and are installed through the template.

24. 1. A latching system for connecting a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile or drill rod, comprising: a wireline winch system capable of raising and lowering equipment below the center of the drill rod and / or micropile; a latch that connects to a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor at one end and to said wireline winch system at the other end; a latch adapter that connects to the micropile or drill rod and engages with the latch; a latch block forming part of said latch, said latch block extending or retracting to allow said latch to be locked to or released from said latch adapter; a latch link connecting the latch block and a latch wire line termination, the latch link retracting the latch block when tension is applied to the latch wire line termination; a spring that extends the latch block when there is no tension on the latch wire line termination; Latch system including:

25. 1. A system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system, comprising: a latch adapter having an upper end attached to a drill rod or micropile, a lower end attached to a drill bit, and a central longitudinal latch adapter cavity throughout the latch adapter having an interior wall and latch features on the interior wall; a latch body at least partially within said latch adapter cavity, said latch body having a central longitudinal latch body cavity extending into said latch body from a top end thereof and at least one latch channel extending from said latch body cavity to an outer surface of said latch body; a cap having an open end attached to the upper end of the latch body and a closed upper end distal to the latch body, the cap having a through hole in the closed upper end to create a cap cavity between its upper end and the upper end of the latch body; an actuator rod at least partially within said cap cavity and at least partially within said latch body cavity, the actuator rod having an upper end extending through said through-hole in said upper end of said cap, a lower end within said latch body cavity, a shoulder portion having an outer diameter large enough to prevent its entry into said latch adapter cavity, and a wire cavity longitudinally from its lower end to its upper end; a spring biasing the actuator rod away from the cap and toward the latch body; At least one latch block in the at least one latch channel connected to the actuator rod by at least one latch link. Including, the spring bias causes the at least one link to exert an outward radial force on the latch block, urging the latch block into engagement with the latch feature on the inner wall of the drill adapter; a force on the cable overcoming the spring bias causes the at least one link to exert an inward radial force on the latch block, disengaging the latch block from the latch feature on the inner wall of the drill adapter.

26. 26. The system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system as described in claim 25, further comprising a tapered lead-in at the upper end of the drill adapter adapted to compress the one or more latch blocks inward against the spring bias when the latch body is inserted into the drill adapter cavity.

27. 26. The system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system as described in claim 25, wherein the latch block transmits a downward force from the drill rod or micropile to the latch body and at least one sensor attached to a lower end of the latch body.

28. 26. The system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system of claim 25, wherein the latching feature is a groove in the interior wall.

29. 26. The system for latching a geotechnical and / or geophysical sensor to a micropile drilling system of claim 25, wherein the drill adapter is integral with the drill bit.

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