Soil Exploration
The knowledge of subsoil conditions at a site is a
prerequisite for safe and economical design of substructure elements. The
field and laboratory
studies carried out
for obtaining the necessary
information about the
surface and subsurface
features of the
proposed area including the
position of the
ground water table,
are termed as
soil exploration or
site investigation.
Objectives of soil exploration program
The
information from soil
investigations will enable
a Civil engineer
to plan, decide,
design and execute a construction
project.
Soil investigations are done to
obtain the information that is useful for one or more of the
following purposes.
1. To know
the geological condition of rock and soil formation.
2. To
establish the groundwater levels and determine the properties of water.
3. To select
the type and depth of foundation for proposed structure
4. To
determine the bearing capacity of the site.
5. To
estimate the probable maximum and differential settlements.
6. To predict
the lateral earth pressure against retaining walls and abutments.
7. To select
suitable construction techniques
8. To predict
and to solve potential foundation problems
9. To
ascertain the suitability of the soil as a construction material.
10. To determine soil properties required for design
11. Establish procedures for soil improvement to
suit design purpose
12. To investigate the safety of existing structures
and to suggest the remedial measures.
13. To observe the soil the soil performance after
construction.
14. To locate suitable transportation routes.
The objectives of soil investigations from various
requirements point of view is summarized in below table
Design requirements
|
·
define stratigraphy/geology
·
to determine soil properties required for design
·
aid material selection
·
to determine the type and depth of
foundation
|
Construction requirements
|
·
to select suitable construction
techniques
·
define equipment and techniques
needed
·
to locate suitable transportation routes
|
Auditing
|
·
checking a site prior to sale/purchase
·
to establish procedures for soil
improvement to suit design purpose
|
Monitoring
|
·
to observe the soil performance after
construction
·
determine reasons for poor behavior
·
document performance for future
reference
|
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