Vibrocorers

The vibracoring technique provides a reliable means to sample unconsolidated and semi-consolidated sediment sequences by means of a submersible, electrically powered, vibrating head attached to a rigid core barrel (normally aluminium, 76mm ID, 80mm OD) that by its agitation forces the core barrel to be driven into the seabed. Vibrocorers are used wherever soil/sediment conditions are unsuited to gravity corers or where greater penetration of the seabed is necessary. Vibrocorers are used widely throughout the geotechnical investigation industry and can be deployed in water depths up to 1,000m.There are a number of types, such as the Quaternary Resources SEAS* (*Submersible Equipment and Services) vibracorers and the Aimers McLean type, which are standard industry designs for use in sands and denser/stronger soils.