Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
capability to identify and describe rock and soil types, rock mass and soil formation char-
acteristics, groundwater conditions, and to recognize and describe the potential for phe-
nomena such as flooding, erosion, slope failures, ground subsidence and collapse, ground
heave, and earthquakes. The basis for adequate assessment is thorough investigation.
For many years the services required for investigation of the geologic environment for
new construction were performed by “soil and foundation engineers” practicing the dis-
cipline of soil mechanics. The discipline of geotechnical engineering has evolved to include
rock mechanics and geologic engineering as well as soil mechanics to provide a broader
intelligence base for resolving modern problems.
1.1.2
Investigation
Importance
The engineering works interfacing with the geologic environment can be constructed eco-
nomically, can perform safely, and can have a nondetrimental impact on other works only
if all geologic elements are accurately identified and their properties properly measured
and evaluated. Reliable evaluations, however, are possible only when complete and rep-
resentative data are available. Investigation, therefore, is the most important phase of any
construction or development program.
Limitations
It must be recognized that geologic conditions can be extremely complex and variable as
well as subject to changes with time; in addition there are many limitations to state of the
art of geotechnical investigation. There will be occasions when it is not possible to identify
all of the critical aspects of the geologic conditions, regardless of the comprehensiveness
of the investigation. The geotechnical engineer's familiarity with those aspects of the geo-
logic environment that are unusually complex and variable with a low degree of pre-
dictability, as well as with the limitations of investigational methodology, should lead to
incorporation of conservative measures into design and construction to avoid unsatisfac-
tory results. The consequences of an inadequate investigation may be construction delays
and extra costs, or even structural collapse or other forms of failure.
1.1.3
Objectives
General
This topic was written with the objectives of providing a guide to (1) the investigation and
assessment of the geologic environment for practitioners involved with engineering works
for new construction or development, and (2) general solutions of problems that may be
based primarily on intuitive reasoning and experience rather than rigorous mathematical
analysis. Investigation as used herein signifies field exploration, field and laboratory
measurement of properties, and field instrumentation to monitor deformations and
stresses in situ . Effective planning and execution of investigations and interpretation and
evaluation of data require a thorough comprehension of the characteristics of geologic
materials and geologic hazards.
Assessment and Problem-Solving
Assessment and problem-solving may be based on intuitive reasoning and judgment in
cases pertaining to groundwater control, slope stabilization, and the control of ground
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