FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
LECTURE 9: GEOTECHNICAL METHODS OF SITE INVESTIGATION

ANTHONY OSINDE
MSC. REN. ENERGY(MAK), MSC. ENERGY POLICY(PAUWES, ALG), BSC. CIVIL (NDU)
Outline
INTRODUCTION
Definitions
Objectives
Desk study
Site Reconnaissance
Ground Investigations
Site investigation Report
Definition
A site investigation or soil survey is an essential part of the
preliminary design work on any important structure in
order to obtain information regarding the sequence of
Strata and the ground water level and also to collect
samples for identification and testing.
In addition a site investigation is often necessary to assess
the safety of an existing structure or to investigate case
where failure has occurred.
 Objectives
British standard code of practice BS. 5930, “site investigation”,
lists the following as the main objectives of site investigation:
i. To assess the general suitability of the sight for the proposed
works.
ii. To enable an adequate and economic design to be
prepared
iii. To fore see and provide against difficulties that may arise
during construction due to ground and other local conditions.
iv. To predict any adverse effect of the proposed construction
on neighbouring structures.
Steps involved in site investigation
1) Desk study
The desk study is generally the first stage in a site investigation.
It involves collecting and collating published information about
the site under investigation and putting it all together to build a
conceptual model of the site. This model can then be used to
guide the rest of the investigation, especially the ground
investigation.
Much of the information gathered at the desk study stage is
contained in maps, published reports, aerial photographs and
personal recollection.
Source of information
The sources of information available to engineer include geological
maps, topographic maps (ordinance survey maps), soil survey
maps, aerial photographs, mining records, ground water
information, existing site investigation reports, local history literature,
metrological records; and river and coastal information.
a) Geological maps: Geological maps provide information on the
extent of rock and soil deposits at a particular site. The significance
of the geological information must be correctly interpreted by the
engineer to assist in the further planning of the site investigation.
b) Topographical maps: These are also called Ordinance
survey maps and provide information on, for example,
the relief of the land, site accessibility and the land forms
present
c) Soil survey maps: Also called Pedological soil survey
involves the classification, mapping and description of
the surface soils in the area and is generally of main
interest to agriculturalists. It studies top soils 1-1.5m. The
surface soil type can often be related to the parent soil
lying beneath; and so, soil types below 1.5m can often
be interpreted from the maps.
d) Aerial photographs: With careful interpretation of aerial
photographs, it is possible to deduce information on land forms,
topography, land use, historical and use; and geotechnical
behavior. The photographs allow a visual inspection of a site
when access to the site is restricted.
e) Existing site investigation reports: These can often be the
most valuable source of geotechnical information. If a site
investigation has been performed in the vicinity in the past, then
information may already exist on the rock and soil types,
drainage, access, etc. The report may also contain details of
the properties of the soils and test results.
2) Site reconnaissance
A walk over the site can often help to give an
idea of the work that will be required. Difference
in vegetation often indicates changes in subsoil
conditions and any cutting, quarry or river on or
near the site should be examined. Site accesses,
overhead restrictions, signs of slope instability are
further examples of aspects which can be
observed during the walk over survey.
3) Ground investigation
a) Site exploration method
Test or trial pits: A test pit is simply a hole dug in the ground that is
large enough for a ladder to be inserted, thus permitting a close
examination of the sides. With this method, ground water conditions
can be established exactly and undisturbed soil samples are
obtainable relatively and easily. Depth of 4m can be achieved with
this method.
Hand auger or post-hole auger: The hand auger (attached to drill rods
and turned by hand) is often used in soft soils for boring to about 6m in
depth.
Boring rig: In most site investigations the boreholes are taken down by
some form of well-boring equipment and can extend to considerable
depths.
b) sampling
Two types of soil sample can be obtained which are
disturbed sample and undisturbed sample
Disturbed sample: The soil sample got as a borehole is
being excavated is called disturbed soil samples.
Undisturbed samples: This is the sample got by driving a
core into the ground, carefully removing it; first be given
two coats of paraffin wax on each side and then placed
in an air tight container.
c) Soil profile
From the results of a site investigation vertical sections (soil profiles)
are generally prepared, showing to scale the sequence and
thickness of the strata.
d) Site investigation reports.
The site investigation report is the final product of the exploration
program. Site investigation report involves the following:-
Preamble: This is introductory section consisting of a brief
summary which gives the location of the site, the date of the
investigation and name of the client, the types and number of
boreholes put down and the equipment used.
Description of site: Here a general description of the site
is given; whether it is an open field or a redevelopment of
a site where old foundation, walls e.tc remain. A map
showing the site location and the positions of any
boreholes put down is usually included in the report.
Description of subsoil conditions encountered: This
section should consist of a short and readable description
of the general subsoil. Conditions over the site with
reference to the bore hole journals. Generally the
significance of any in-situ testing carried out is mentioned.
Borehole journals: It is a list of all the materials encountered during
the boring. A Journal is best shown in sectional form so that the depths
at which the various materials were met can be easily seen. It should
include a note of all the information that was found, ground water
conditions, numbers and types of samples taken, list of in-situ tests,
time taken boring. etc.
Description of laboratory soil tests. This is simply a list of the tests
carried out together with a set of laboratory sheets showing particle
size distribution curves, liquid limit plots etc.
Conclusions. It is in this section that firm recommendations as to
possible foundation types and modes of construction should be given.
Thank you
Good luck