ISO 22476-15-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Geotechnical investigation and testing — Field testing — Part 15: Measuring while drilling. This International Standard specifies technical principles for measuring equipment requirements, and for the execution and reporting of drilling-parameter data recorded during geotechnical drilling operations (measuring-while-drilling, MWD). It applies primarily to top-driven, destructive drilling methods carried out with fully hydraulically powered drill rigs and driving devices, and may also be applied to core drilling; recording of drilling parameters during grouting, installation of nails, anchors or piles is excluded from its scope.

Abstract

ISO 22476-15:2016 defines the measurement, recording and reporting requirements for drilling-parameter data obtained during geotechnical site investigations. It gives requirements for the measuring equipment and for data acquisition and presentation so that recorded parameters (for example torque, rotation speed, penetration rate, thrust/rod load and cumulative penetration) are suitable for interpretation alongside sampling and geophysical logs and for quality control of drilling operations.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed on review).
• Publication date: 12 August 2016 (Edition 1, 2016-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; excavation; foundation construction; underground works.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 22 (ISO official publication; some national/adopted versions show different pagination, e.g. 30–33 pages with national forewords).

Scope

ISO 22476-15:2016 covers the technical principles for the requirements of measuring equipment, the execution of measurements and the reporting of drilling-parameter data for geotechnical investigations where the recording of such parameters during top-driven destructive drilling (and optionally core drilling) provides useful site information. The standard applies to systems fitted to fully hydraulically powered drill rigs/driving devices and addresses parameter types, sensor and data-acquisition requirements, calibration and the format of recorded output. It explicitly excludes parameter recording associated with drilling carried out for installation of injection works, nails, anchors or piles.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for measuring-while-drilling (MWD) parameters (e.g., torque, rotation speed, penetration rate, thrust/load, depth tracking).
• Requirements for sensors, transducers and signal acquisition (accuracy, calibration and installation practices).
• Data-logging, sampling rates, synchronization and metadata needed for reliable interpretation.
• Recommended formats and minimum content for reporting drilling-parameter logs and integration with sampling/geophysical logs.
• Guidance on applicability to top-driven destructive drilling and to core drilling; specified exclusions (grouting, anchors, piles).
• Quality control and record-keeping practices for geotechnical site investigations using MWD systems.

These topics are intended to ensure recorded drilling parameters are repeatable, comparable and suitable for use in geotechnical interpretation and construction-quality assessments.

Typical use and users

ISO 22476-15 is used in geotechnical site investigation programs where recorded drilling-parameter data improve understanding of subsurface conditions and support sampling logs. Typical users include geotechnical engineers, site investigation consultants, drilling contractors and rig operators, manufacturers and integrators of MWD sensors and data-loggers, and asset owners requiring standardized drilling-parameter records for design or quality assurance. The standard helps contractors and consultants obtain consistent, interpretable drilling logs for inclusion in investigation reports.

Related standards

ISO 22476-15 is part of the ISO 22476 series covering geotechnical field testing. Other related parts include, for example, ISO 22476-2 (dynamic probing), ISO 22476-3 (standard penetration test), ISO 22476-12 (mechanical cone penetration test) and ISO 22476-14 (borehole dynamic probing); national/adopted versions exist under EN/BS/DIN/etc. These related parts provide complementary methods and guidance for field investigation and in-situ testing.

Keywords

Measuring while drilling, MWD, drilling parameters, drilling log, geotechnical investigation, drill rig, torque, penetration rate, rotation speed, data logging, calibration, field testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22476-15:2016 is an International Standard that specifies requirements and guidance for measuring, recording and reporting drilling-parameter data obtained during geotechnical drilling operations (measuring while drilling).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers equipment requirements, sensor and data-acquisition guidance, calibration, minimum reporting content and the format needed to produce reliable drilling-parameter records for top-driven destructive drilling and, where applicable, core drilling. It does not cover parameter recording for drilling associated with grouting, anchor or pile installation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, site investigation consultants, drilling contractors and rig operators, manufacturers/integrators of MWD systems, and owners or clients who require standardized drilling-parameter data for interpretation and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22476-15 was published in August 2016 (Edition 1). The ISO bibliographic record indicates the publication was reviewed and confirmed in 2021, and that this version remains current. Users should check national/adopted versions and ISO reviews for any subsequent amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 22476-15 is one part of the ISO 22476 series on geotechnical field testing; related parts address other in-situ and borehole tests (for example Parts 2, 3, 12 and 14). Nationally adopted EN/BS/DIN versions are also available for many parts of the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Measuring while drilling (MWD), drilling-parameter logging, drill rig sensors, torque, rotation speed, penetration rate, geotechnical field testing, data acquisition, calibration, drilling log reporting.