Core orientation

It is very important to know orientation of discontinuities (true dip and true dip direction) for
structural geology and geotechnical study. CORE ORIENTATION SYSTEM is the method of to get
the orientation of discontinuities from drill core.

1. Core orientation methods

There are number of core orientation methods in use all over the world ( common use: Spear, Ezy
Mark, Ball Mark, ACE tool, Acoustic and optical televiewer). The ACE tool is accurate and modern
instrument but the cost is higher. The Spear is the easiest and the cost is low however accuracy is
low and only possible to use in limited depth.

Figure 1: Spear. Figure 2: Ezy Mark.

Figure 3: Ball mark.

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Figure 4: Acoustic and optical televiewer.

2. Core orientate using ACE tool.

Drillers mark the reference line after every drill run at drill rig. Generally top or bottom of the core
(we always use the bottom). After comes core in the core logging facility has to check every reference
lines how is it marked and has to note in the core orientation form. Most common mistakes are
reference lines are too thick or too blear marked.

Figure 5: Reference line is thick marked. Figure 6: Reference line is blear marked.
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Figure 7: Good marked. Figure 8: Orientating core.

Then need to put every piece of core on the angle irons exactly in order. Next step is:

1. Orientate core by continuous line if connected or difference less than 5 degrees between
the first reference line with the second reference line.
2. Orientate by dash line if used single reference line (only in case of core is impossible to
reconstruct).
3. If difference more than 5 degrees between the first reference line and the second reference
line has to wait and need to check following reference lines. There are not connected
reference lines each other at all, must report to the drilling supervisor.

It is possible to use sticky tape or glue for reconstruct core, if core is broken.

If drill hole structural measurement is critical, the most convenient way is has to be drilled hole by
triple tube and orientated core before transportation.

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 Core Orientation Report

Drill Hole:
Company/Drill rig Date: to
Report By: Page: of

Drill run Depth Reason of no core orientation

Drill core No Drillers Reference

Date Bad Drillers Comments
Orientated? Reference line's Core
From To Reference
Differences Broken
Line Line
(degrees)

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