Method and system for installing geothermal heat exchangers, micropiles, and anchors using a sonic drill and a removable or retrievable drill bit

A method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile, the method comprising:

• positioning a sonic drilling apparatus at a desired location, the sonic drilling apparatus including a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground, a removable drill bit being operatively connected to the drill string;
• drilling the cased hole to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the drill string into the ground;
• removing the removable drill bit from the drill string following the drilling of the cased hole to the desired depth;
• lowering the micropile into the cased hole following the removal of the removable drill bit;
• and
• removing the drill string from the ground.

A system for drilling a hole and installing a micropile, the system comprising:

• a sonic drilling apparatus including a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space, and the hollow drill string including a drill pipe and a ring bit;
• a removable drill bit operatively connected to the hollow drill string;
• a means for removing the removable drill bit drill from the hole;
• a micropile for lowering into the inner space of the hollow drill string;
• and
• a grouting apparatus for discharging grouting material to encompass the geothermal transfer apparatus.