Augerbohrung

Auger boring, commonly referred to as *Augerbohrung* in German, is a specialized drilling technique used primarily in geotechnical engineering and construction. The method employs a continuous flight auger (CFA) to create boreholes in soil or soft rock formations. This approach is particularly effective for shallow foundations, such as drilled piers or caissons, where deep or stable soil conditions are required.

The process involves a helical screw-shaped auger attached to a rotating drill stem, which cuts through the soil while simultaneously removing it. As the auger rotates and advances downward, the soil is lifted to the surface, eliminating the need for frequent removal of cuttings. This makes the technique efficient for both small-diameter and larger-diameter boreholes, typically ranging from 300 mm to 1,500 mm in diameter, depending on the application.

Auger boring is favored for its speed and minimal disturbance to surrounding soil, as it avoids the need for casing in many cases. It is commonly used in residential and commercial construction to install deep foundations, particularly in cohesive or granular soils. However, it may not be suitable for hard rock or highly unstable ground conditions, where alternative methods like rotary drilling or percussion drilling are more appropriate.

The technique is also adaptable for environmental applications, such as soil sampling or the installation of monitoring wells. In some cases, auger boring can be combined with other methods, such as grouting or soil mixing, to enhance foundation stability or remediate contaminated sites. Proper selection of auger size, rotation speed, and drilling fluid (if used) is essential to ensure accuracy and prevent issues like soil sloughing or borehole collapse.