Geotechnical Investigation

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Geotechnical Investigation



A Geotechnical Investigation is a critical process in engineering and construction that
assesses the properties and behavior of soil and rock beneath the ground at a construction site. This
investigation helps engineers design safe and effective foundations for buildings, roads, and other
structures.

Field Testing
  • Boreholes: Drilling boreholes at various locations on the site to obtain samples
  • of soil and rock.
  • Test Pits: Excavating shallow pits to observe soil and water conditions directly.
  • Standard Penetration Test (SPT): A test performed during drilling to determine the resistance of the soil to penetration, giving an indication of its density and strength.
  • Cone Penetration Test (CPT): A method of pushing a cone into the soil to measure its resistance at various depths.
  • Groundwater Level Measurement: Measuring the depth of groundwater, which can impact foundation design and drainage
Laboratory Testing
  • Grain Size Analysis: Determines the distribution of different particle sizes in the soil.
  • Atterberg Limits Test: Assesses the plasticity of fine-grained soils.
  • Shear Strength Tests: Determines how the soil will behave under stress andloading, important for assessing the risk of soil failure.
  • Compaction Tests: Measure the soil's ability to be compacted to ensure a solidfoundation
  • Rock Tests:
i. Uniaxial Compression Test:
Purpose: To determine the strength of rock by applying pressure until it breaks.
ii. Point Load Test:
Purpose: The point load test is primarily used to measure the strength of rock material. It helps estimate the uniaxial compressive strength of rock, which is a critical parameter in rock mechanics and engineering projects like foundation design, tunneling, and excavation.
iii. Petrographic Analysis:
Purpose: Petrographic analysis is a vital tool in geology and geotechnical engineering that provides in-depth information about the mineralogical composition, texture, and properties of rocks. It’s essential for evaluating the suitability of rocks for construction, resource extraction, and environmental studies.
  • Chemical Analysis: To assess the soil's composition, which is important for determining its suitability for construction, agriculture, or other purposes


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