Module 1 : Site Exploration and Geotechnical Investigation
Lecture 1 : Introduction [ Section 1.1 : Planning For Subsurface Exploration ]
   
  Introduction
 

The knowledge about the site forms a vital role in the safe and economical development of a site. A thorough investigation of the site is an essential preliminary to the construction of any civil engineering works. Public building officials may require soil data together with the recommendations of the geotechnical consultant prior to issuance of a building permit. Elimination of the site exploration, which usually ranges from about 0.5 to1 percent of total construction costs, only to find after construction has started that the foundation must be redesigned is certainly false economy. This is generally recognized, and it is doubtful if any major structures are currently designed without exploration being undertaken.

  Objectives of Site Investigation
To access the general suitability of the site.
To achieve safe and economical design of foundations and temporary works.
To know the nature of each stratum and engineering properties of the soil and rock, which may affect the design and mode of construction of proposed structure and foundation.
 
To foresee and provide against difficulties that may arise during construction due to ground and other local conditions.
To find out the sources of construction material and selection of sites for disposal of water or surplus material.
To investigate the occurrence or causes of all natural and man made changes in conditions and the results arising from such changes.
 
To ensure the safety of surrounding existing structures.
To design for the failed structures or remedial measures for the structures deemed to be unsafe.

To locate the ground water level and possible corrosive effect of soil and water on foundation material.

 
1
2