A method and system for determining properties of a target region

Abstract

A method of determining properties of a target region beneath a surface of the earth is disclosed. The method comprises: inserting a probe into the target region to a first target depth; retracting the probe to a second target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the first target depth; performing a test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments.

Description

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A TARGET REGIONFIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method of determining properties of a target region beneath a surface of the earth. More particularly, this disclosure relates a method of inserting a probe into the target region and performing a test to determine properties of the target region that improves the accuracy of the test and enables deeper testing to be achieved without the need for additional equipment. Unlocking insights from such Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a general and ongoing need to improve data acquisition of subsurface surveying. The determination of subsurface characteristics is used to identify objects below the surface of the ground, as well as determining the soil characteristics, such as soil type, density, moisture content, shear modulus, and the like, which may be used in foundation planning and / or management. Subsurface information may be used for e.g., site characterisation for infrastructure projects, foundation calculations, and the like. For such applications, it is important to generate a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface with a high degree of accuracy in an efficient manner.

[0003] One of the methods of performing such tests is generally known as a cone penetration test (CPT). The cone penetration test is a geotechnical investigation method for determining, e.g., soil and groundwater characteristics, where a cone penetrometer is pushed into the soil to perform a measurement or measurements. Typical parameters measured by such a cone penetrometer are cone tip resistance and sleeve friction. Pore-water pressure can additionally be measured where the test is a piezocone penetration test (CPTu). The test method comprises pushing an instrumented cone penetrometer, with the tip facing down, into the ground at a controlled rate.

[0004] A further method of performing such tests is generally known as a seismic cone penetration test (SCPT). The seismic cone penetration test is a geotechnical investigation method for determining shear wave velocity which is the velocity at which a shear wave moves through a material. This is a key parameter for the determination of ground characteristics in a volume of interest. Similar to a CPT, during an SCPT a cone penetrometer is pushed into the soil to perform measurements of shear waves to determine sear wave velocity. However, rather than pushing an instrumented cone penetrometer into the ground at a controlled rate, the cone penetrometer is stopped at various depths as it is being inserted into the into the ground to perform seismic tests. A SCPT can be performed alongside a CPT where insertion of the cone penetrometer during the CPT is stopped at various depths on the way down to perform a SCPT and the CPT is resumed after each stop.

[0005] For both CPTs and SCPTs, the testing equipment generally comprises a cone penetrometer or other suitable probe mounted to a pushrod. The pushrod is, in turn, mounted to a platform or a truck. Alsomounted to the platform or truck is an advancing mechanism for advancing the probe and pushrod into the ground, such as a hydraulic ram. The depth attainable during a CPT or SCPT test is generally limited by the maximum force the advancing mechanism is ably to apply to the pushrod. Greater depths can be achieved by using additional equipment, such as a drilling tower. However, this can lead to other disadvantages, such as increasing the length of the testing process, particularly where an initial drilling operation is required.

[0006] With tests such as CPTs and SPTs, there is a need to increase the depths attainable when pushing a cone penetrometer, or any probe suitable for determining properties of a target region, into the ground without the need for additional equipment, such as a drilling tower. There is also a need to improve the accuracy of testing performed to determine properties of a target region.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides methods which address the above described problems and provide for improved accuracy of tests to determine properties of a target region and increase the depths attainable when pushing a cone penetrometer, or any probe suitable for determining properties of a target region, into the ground.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of determining properties of a target region beneath a surface of the earth. The method comprises inserting a probe into the target region to a first target depth, retracting the probe to a second target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the first target depth, and performing a test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth.

[0009] Retracting the probe to the second target depth closer to the surface before performing the test improves the accuracy of the test as adverse effects caused by probe deformation due to compressive forces during insertion are avoided. Additionally, due to compression of a pushrod or other means used to insert the probe as the probe is inserted, the exact depth of the probe can be difficult to determine during insertion, whereas this is no longer a problem once the probe has been retracted.

[0010] Further, the method enables deeper testing to be achieved without the need for additional equipment, such as a drilling tower. By initially inserting the probe to the first target depth before retracting for testing at the second target depth, it is possible to attain deeper target depths when compared with conventional subsurface probe testing. In conventional subsurface probe testing, the probe is halted at various points during insertion on its journey to the deepest point to perform tests, such as seismic velocity tests. This interruption negatively impacts the maximum attainable depth due to, for example, the additional force required to resume movement of the probe after it has been halted.

[0011] In some examples, the method further comprises the step of performing an initial test to determine properties of the target region during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

[0012] In some examples, the method further comprises determining the second target depth based on data obtained during the initial test. Advantageously, this enables the test location for the test, the second target depth, to be based on preliminary data provided by the initial test. This facilitates targeting of layers of interest for specific further testing. It also allows the possibility of carrying out more tests in such layers of interest to get more data for those areas and for areas of less interest to be discounted, saving time.

[0013] In some examples, the initial test comprises determining a soil profile of at least a portion of the target region. This enables the test location for test to be based on a known soil profile.

[0014] In some examples, the initial test comprises a cone penetration test, CPT, optionally, wherein the CPT comprises a piezocone penetration test, CPTu. Advantageously, the CPT can be used to measure tip resistance and friction ratios. The CPTu can additionally measure pore pressure. These parameters can be used to determine the soil profile of the target region. This enables the test location for test to be based on these known parameters.

[0015] In some examples, a friction reducing fluid is applied during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth. Advantageously, dissipation of the friction reducing fluid is avoided by initially inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth and subsequently performing the test as any stopping of the initial insertion to perform tests on the way down is avoided.

[0016] In some examples, the test comprises a seismic velocity test, which in a further example may optionally comprise a seismic cone penetration test. A seismic velocity test enables the determination of seismic wave velocities that give high value information about in situ ground characteristics, such as small strain shear modulus. These have use in earthquake design studies and analysis of dynamically loaded foundations, in for example offshore windfarm foundation design.

[0017] In some examples, the test comprises a cycling test in which the probe is moved up and down within the target region. Performing a cycling test after retraction facilitates easier movement of the probe up and down within the target region as a channel within which the probe can move has already been created when the probe was inserted to the first target depth.

[0018] In some examples, the test comprises at least one of a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test and electrical conductivity test and a pore water dissipation test.

[0019] In some examples, movement of the probe during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth is uninterrupted. This enables continuous data to be generated, for example, during a CPT test conducted while inserting the probe to the first target depth, which avoids the need for any clipping of data, such as CPT data, to account for stopping of the probe.

[0020] In some examples, an uninterrupted pushing force is applied to the probe during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

[0021] In some examples, the probe comprises a penetrometer.

[0022] In some examples, the penetrometer comprises a cone penetrometer, a T-bar penetrometer or a ball probe penetrometer.

[0023] In some examples, the method further comprises retracting the probe to a third target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the second target depth and performing a further test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the third target depth.

[0024] In some examples, determining the third target depth is based on data obtained during the initial test.

[0025] In some examples, the further test comprises at least one of a seismic velocity test, a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test, an electrical conductivity test and a pore water dissipation test.

[0026] In some examples, the first target depth is the depth at which refusal occurs.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising a geotechnical apparatus, one or more processors and one or more memories having stored thereon computer readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations to control the geotechnical apparatus to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided one or more computer readable media comprising instructions, that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control a geotechnical apparatus to perform the method any one or more of the methods described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary implementations of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail by way of example to illustrate aspects of the disclosure and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 shows an example geotechnical apparatus according to the present disclosure;Figure 2 shows an example of a probe shown in Fig. 1 ;Figure 3 shows a method of the present disclosure; andFigure 4 shows a computer system for carrying out the various methods of the present disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the description and the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like features.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Various implementations and examples of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations and examples are discussed, it should be understood that this is done forillustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognise that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well- known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. A reference to an implementation or example in the present disclosure can be a reference to the same implementation or example, or any other implementation or example. Such references thus relate to at least one of the implementations or examples herein.

[0033] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various implementations given in this specification. References to ranges of values or values “between” two values should be interpreted as encompassing the end points of those ranges unless otherwise specified.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows an example geotechnical apparatus 100 comprising a pushrod dispensing unit 102, comprising a pushrod 106 in a coiled configuration, and a drive unit 104 for driving the uncoiled pushrod 106 into a target region beneath a surface of the earth. The depicted dispensing unit 102 is merely an example of a dispensing unit and other types of dispensing unit may be used. The depicted drive unit 104 is also merely an example of an advancing mechanism and other types of advancing mechanism may be used, depending on the environment within which the geotechnical apparatus 100 is to be used. It will be understood that other means for inserting the probe 108 may be used in place of the pushrod 106. For example, a segmented pushrod could be used in which segments of the pushrod are screwed together or otherwise coupled as it is inserted into the ground.

[0035] At its free end, the pushrod 106 supports a probe 108 for determining properties, such as geotechnical properties, of the target region into which the probe is inserted. The geotechnical apparatus 100 could be located on land or on the bed of a body of water, such as a seabed.

[0036] The geotechnical apparatus 100 optionally further comprises a seismic source 110 for producing seismic waves in the target region beneath a surface of the earth. In some examples, the probe 108 is configured to detect these seismic waves in order to determine properties of the target region. Alternatively, a seismic source may be located remote from the geotechnical apparatus 100.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows an example of the probe 108 shown in Fig. 1 . The probe 108 is coupled to the pushrod 106. The probe 108 shown in Fig. 2 is merely presented an example of a probe. It will beunderstood that wherever reference is made to a probe 108, a number of different types of probe could be used, such as a cone penetrometer, a T-bar penetrometer or a ball probe penetrometer.

[0038] The probe 108 in the example shown in Fig. 2 comprises a cone penetrometer 202 suitable for conducting a cone penetration test, CPT. In another example, the cone penetrometer 202 is suitable for conducting a piezocone penetration test, CPTu. The cone penetrometer may be a standard cone penetrometer commonly used in industry. The cone penetrometer 202 extends between a tip 204 and a proximal end 206. The probe 108 is coupled to the pushrod 106, which is arranged to translate a compressive force to the cone penetrometer 202 as it is being driven into a target soil. The pushrod 106 comprises a connection section 208. The connection section 208 of the pushrod 106 is arranged to couple pushrod 106 to components of the probe 108.

[0039] The probe 108 in the shown example comprises three sensor modules 210, separated by intermediate sections 212. The sensor modules 210 are provided between the proximal end 206 of the cone penetrometer 202 and the connection section 208 of the pushrod 106.

[0040] Each of the sensor modules 210 comprises a sensor for determining properties, such as geotechnical properties, of the target region into which the probe is inserted. In an example, one or more of the sensor modules 210 are seismic sensors for use in a seismic cone penetration test, SCPT, or other seismic velocity test and for detecting seismic waves produced by seismic source 110. Other example sensor modules 210 include sensors suitable for performing a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test and electrical conductivity test and a pore water dissipation test.

[0041] Between the sensor modules 210 in the shown example, a plurality of separating rings 214 are provided. These separating rings 214 are arranged to separate the sensor modules 210 from one another. In an example implementation, the separating rings 214 can provide an insulating function. For example, they could act to thermally, or otherwise, insulate the sensor modules 210 from one another.

[0042] The sensor modules 210 are axially stacked between the cone penetrometer 202 and the connection section 208 of the pushrod 106. The probe 108 may comprise more or fewer sensor modules 210 than are depicted in Fig. 2, as may be appropriate to determine desired properties of the target region.

[0043] In an example, the probe 108 may additionally include one or more openings (not depicted) for allowing a friction reducing fluid to be distributed to the surrounding area from the probe 108. In this example, the pushrod 106 may also include a conduit (not depicted) along which friction reducing fluid can be passed from the surface to the one or more openings in the probe 108.

[0044] The pushrod 106 translates a compressive force to the cone penetrometer 202 as it is being driven into a target soil. This can lead to a number of different issues. Adverse effects on measurement accuracy can be caused by probe deformation due to the compressive force. Further, due to compression along the length of the pushrod, the exact depth of the probe can be difficult to determine.

[0045] Further issues can arise when performing seismic velocity tests such as SCPTs. Conventionally, such tests require interrupting insertion of the probe 108 (and any CPT being conducted during theinsertion) at the desired seismic test depth. A seismic source, such as seismic source 110, is then activated and its output recorded by one or more of the sensor modules 210 of the probe 108. Insertion of the probe 108 (and any CPT being conducted during the insertion) is then resumed. This process limits the maximum attainable depth using drive unit 104 as higher friction along the probe 108 and pushrod 106 results from halting the insertion and attempting to restart it. If a friction reducing fluid has also been used, this would dissipate during the period in which the insertion is halted, further increasing friction along the probe 108 and pushrod 106.

[0046] The method shown in Fig. 3 addresses these and other issues by initially inserting the probe 108 to a first target depth before retracting the probe to a shallower second target depth to perform tests such as seismic velocity tests.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a method 300 of determining properties of a target region beneath a surface of the earth. Although the method is described in the context of the geotechnical apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 , it will be understood that the method 300 could be performed using any suitable geotechnical apparatus.

[0048] At step 302, the method 300 comprises inserting the probe 108 into the target region to a first target depth. In some examples, movement of the probe 108 during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth may be uninterrupted. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, an uninterrupted pushing force may be applied to the probe during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

[0049] In some examples, the first target depth is a predetermined target depth, for example, predetermined to be within the limit of the depth attainable using drive unit 104. Alternatively, the first target depth is the depth at which refusal occurs or the maximum depth attainable using drive unit 104.

[0050] At step 304, method 300 comprises retracting the probe 108 to a second target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the first target depth.

[0051] At step 306, method 300 comprises performing a test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth.

[0052] In some examples, the method 300 further comprises performing an initial test to determine properties of the target region during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth (step 302). In an example, the initial test comprises determining a soil profile of at least a portion of the target region. For example, a CPT could be performed as an initial test using the cone penetrometer 202 of the probe 108. A CPT could be performed for the entirety of the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth (e.g., a CPT could be performed continuously as the probe 108 is being inserted into the target region to the first target depth). Alternatively, a CPT could be performed for only a part of the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth (e.g., during only the last 10 meters as the probe approaches the first target depth). Other tests could also be performed in place of or in addition to a CPT, such as a CPTu.

[0053] The disclosed method enhances the quality of the obtained CPT data as it can be acquired without the interruptions that are traditionally required to perform seismic velocity tests. Avoiding data-gaps reduces the uncertainty in the determination of soil properties. Where the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth is uninterrupted and / or the result of an uninterrupted pushing force, this further improves the CPT data (e.g. cone resistance, sleeve friction, and pore pressure for a CPTu). In particular, the pore pressure measurement is improved as the pore water pressure dissipates when there are interruptions. This also avoids the need to crop or clip the CPT data to account for any interruptions.

[0054] In some examples, the method 300 further comprises determining the second target depth based on data obtained during the initial test. For example, where a CPT, CPTu or other test is performed as the initial test, data relating to the soil profile in the target region obtained from the initial test can be used to determine the second target depth within the target region at which the test at step 306 is to be performed. This allows for specific areas of the target region to be identified for further testing. For example, where the soil profile is determined during the initial test, it is possible target layers of interest for specific further testing, e.g. at step 306, such as seismic velocity and other possible tests. This allows the possibility of carrying out more tests in the layers of interest to get more data for those areas and for areas of less interest to be discounted, saving time.

[0055] In some examples, a friction reducing fluid is applied during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth (step 302). Here, the aforementioned one or more openings (not depicted) in the probe 108 may be used to distribute the friction reducing fluid to the surrounding area. Advantageously, dissipation of the friction reducing fluid is avoided by inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth without interruption.

[0056] In some examples, the test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth comprises a seismic velocity test. A seismic velocity test enables the determination of seismic wave velocities that give high value information about in situ ground characteristics, such as small strain shear modulus. These have use in earthquake design studies and analysis of dynamically loaded foundations, in for example offshore windfarm foundation design. In an example, the seismic velocity test may be a SCPT. For example, one or more of the sensor modules 210 may be seismic sensors for detecting seismic waves produced by seismic source 110.

[0057] In some examples, the test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth comprises a cycling test in which the probe 108 is moved up and down within the target region. Performing a cycling test after the probe 108 has been inserted to the first target depth and retracted facilitates easier movement of the probe 108 up and down within the target region as a channel within which the probe 108 can move has already been created when the probe 108 was inserted to the first target depth.

[0058] In some examples, the test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth comprises at least one of a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test and electrical conductivity test and a pore water dissipation test.

[0059] In some examples, the method 300 further comprises retracting the probe to a third target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the second target depth and performing a further test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the third target depth. In some examples, the further test comprises at least one of a seismic velocity test, such as a SCPT, a cycling test, a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test and electrical conductivity test and a pore water dissipation test.

[0060] In some examples, the third target depth may be determined based on data obtained during the initial test. For example, where a CPT, CPTu, or other test is performed as the initial test, data relating to the soil profile in the target region obtained from the CPT, CPTu, or other test can be used to determine the third target depth within the target region at which the further test is to be performed. This allows for specific areas of the target region to be identified for further testing.

[0061] With reference to Figure 4, a computing device or system suitable for carrying out the methods described herein will now be described. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of one implementation of a processing system 400 in the form of a computing device within which a set of instructions for causing the computing device to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative implementations, the computing device may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The computing device may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computing device may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single computing device is illustrated, the term “computing device” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines (e.g., computers) that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0062] The example processing system 400 includes a processor 402, a main memory 404 (e.g., readonly memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a static memory 406 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a secondary memory (e.g., a data storage device 418), which communicate with each other via a bus 430.

[0063] Processor 402 represents one or more general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 402 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processor 402 may also be one or more special-purpose processors such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Processor 402 is configured toexecute the processing logic (instructions 422) for performing the operations and steps of the methods discussed herein.

[0064] The processing system 400 may further include a network interface device 408. The processing system 400 also may include a video display unit 410 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard or touchscreen), a cursor control device 414 (e.g., a mouse or touchscreen), and an audio device 416 (e.g., a speaker).

[0065] It will be apparent that some features of the processing system 400 shown in Figure 4 may be absent. For example, the processing system 400 may have no need for display device 410 (or any associated adapters). This may be the case, for example, for particular server-side computer apparatuses which are used only for their processing capabilities and do not need to display information to users. Similarly, user input device 412 may not be required. In its simplest form, processing system 400 comprises processor 402 and main memory 404.

[0066] The data storage device 418 may include one or more machine-readable storage media (or more specifically one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media) 428 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 422 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 422 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 404 and / or within the processor 402 during execution thereof by the processing system 400, the main memory 404 and the processor 402 also constituting computer-readable storage media 428.

[0067] The various methods described above may be implemented by a computer program. The computer program may include computer code arranged to instruct a computer to perform the functions of one or more of the various methods described above. The computer program and / or the code for performing such methods may be provided to an apparatus, such as a computer, on one or more computer readable media or, more generally, a computer program product. The computer readable media may be transitory or non-transitory. The one or more computer readable media could be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium for data transmission, for example for downloading the code over the Internet. Alternatively, the one or more computer readable media could take the form of one or more physical computer readable media such as semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disc, and an optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / W or DVD.

[0068] The computer program is executable by the processor 402 to perform functions of the systems and methods described herein.

[0069] In an implementation, the modules, components, and other features described herein can be implemented as discrete components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs, or similar devices.

[0070] A “hardware component” is a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) physical component (e.g., a set of one or more processors) capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in acertain physical manner. A hardware component may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. A hardware component may be or include a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware component may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.

[0071] Accordingly, the phrase “hardware component” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity that may be physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein.

[0072] In addition, the modules and components can be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices. Further, the modules and components can be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software (e.g., code stored or otherwise embodied in a machine-readable medium or in a transmission medium).

[0073] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "receiving”, “determining”, “comparing”, “enabling”, “maintaining,” “identifying,”, “receiving”, “providing” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0074] The preceding detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure and its uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, overview, or the detailed description.

[0075] Examples of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realised by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an example of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that examples of the present disclosure may be practised in conjunction with any number of systems, and that the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques compared to signal processing, data transmission, signalling, control and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative oradditional functional relationships or physical connection may be present in an example of the present disclosure.

[0077] The term “apparatus” as used herein may refer to either a single apparatus or plural apparatus and should not be understood as being particularly limited to either a single discrete apparatus or a plurality of discrete apparatus unless a particular apparatus is further described as such.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will recognise that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described examples without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the disclosed concepts.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will also recognise that the scope of the invention is not limited by the examples described herein but is instead defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method of determining properties of a target region beneath a surface of the earth, the method comprising: inserting a probe into the target region to a first target depth; retracting the probe to a second target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the first target depth; and performing a test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the second target depth.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: performing an initial test to determine properties of the target region during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: determining the second target depth based on data obtained during the initial test.

4. The method of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the initial test comprises determining a soil profile of at least a portion of the target region.

5. The method of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the initial test comprises a cone penetration test, CPT.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein a friction reducing fluid is applied during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the test comprises a seismic velocity test.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the test comprises at least one of a thermal conductivity test, a temperature test, a magnetometer test, an electrical conductivity test, a pore water dissipation test, and a cycling test in which the probe is moved up and down within the target region.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein movement of the probe during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth is uninterrupted.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein an uninterrupted pushing force is applied to the probe during the step of inserting the probe into the target region to the first target depth.

11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the probe comprises a penetrometer.

12. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising the steps of: retracting the probe to a third target depth closer to the surface of the earth than the second target depth; and performing a further test to determine properties of the target region when the probe is at the third target depth.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first target depth is the depth at which refusal occurs.

14. A system comprising: a geotechnical apparatus; one or more processors; and one or more memories having stored thereon computer readable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations to control the geotechnical apparatus to perform the method of any of the preceding claims.

15. One or more computer readable media comprising instructions, that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control a geotechnical apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 13.

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