GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Geotechnical investigations are performed to obtain data on physical characteristics of soil/rock around a site to design earthworks & proposed structures. Geotechnical investigation is a preliminary yet vital step to any civil engineering or building project. The function of a properly designed foundation is to support loads resting on it without causing excessive stresses within the soil mass at any depth beneath foundation. Stresses are considered excessive if a complete rupture within the soil mass occurs (Shear failure), or if detrimental settlements result (failure due to excessive settlement). Therefore, it is apparent that one of the most important steps in the solution of a foundation problem is determining underground conditions that will affect the design. Field and laboratory investigations required to obtain necessary information about geology, hydrology, and soil conditions; geotechnical properties of soil at the prospective building site, and the performance of various soil types encountered when acted upon by structural loads, water and temperature are called geotechnical/ sub-surface investigations.

Geotechnical investigations may be subdivided into three classes:

•  A-Foundation Investigations To Investigate Sites For New Structures.
•  B-Stability Or Failure Investigations To Investigate Causes Of Distress Or Failure Of Existing Structures.
•  C-Earthwork Investigations To Evaluate Suitability Of Natural Materials For Construction Purposes.