Geotechnical Testing Lays Groundwork for Metrolinx GO Expansion

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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A drill in action, gathering soil samples
Metrolinx

Geotechnical testing is being completed as part of the Metrolinx GO Expansion program's next steps, which will eventually increase the number and speed of GO trains operating throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton region.

When it comes to the design and construction of structural foundations, gathering information on factors such as soil type, texture, structure, density, and absorbency is a crucial step, Metrolinx said.

Soil samples need to be gathered and studied before construction work can start because various ground conditions may occasionally call for alternative construction strategies.

Teams from ONxpress, Metrolinx’s partner in the GO Expansion program’s On-Corridor component, will be stationed throughout the region’s rail corridors over the course of the upcoming year to conduct these geotechnical collections. They will drill boreholes, gather soil samples, and learn more about the various soil conditions at various locations.

ONxpress will use a drill rig to bore a hole in the ground to collect soil samples, a release said. To make a “borehole,” the drill digs down and loosens the soil. The team will switch out the core drill bit with a “spoon,” a hollow cylinder that is driven into the ground, after the appropriate depth has been reached.

Once the work is finished, the spoon can be split to reveal the samples. The samples can then be examined and analyzed in a lab.

In late 2022, borehole work began at two locations, one near the Maple GO location and the other near the Pickering GO site. That work was completed in late January.

Work in the vicinity of the GO stations in East Gwillimbury, Bradford, Stouffville, and Scarborough will begin in March.

Boreholes will be bored throughout the network at various locations over the upcoming months, with crews typically spending roughly three weeks working at each location. Prior to beginning this work, notices will be issued to local businesses and properties.

The majority of the planned work is set to be carried out during the day, but occasionally it might be necessary to complete work after train service has finished for the day in order to protect the safety of all crew members.

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