Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
largest earthquake that might occur within the regional tectonic regime
and similar regimes around the world, to derive a maximum credible
event. This postulated worst case could be used by responsible autho-
rities for emergency planning and is also used for some structures
-
a
safe-shutdown event for a nuclear power station design.
Generally, a series of laboratory tests are speci
ed for samples recov-
ered from boreholes, trial pits and exposures, often employing the
same GI contractor who carried out the boring/drilling. Geotechnical
parameters and how to measure or estimate them are addressed in
Chapters 5
and
6.
4.13 Reporting
The results of site investigation are usually presented as factual docu-
ments by the GI contractor
-
one for borehole logs, a second for the
results of any laboratory testing. In addition, specialist reports might
be provided on geophysics and other particular investigations. These
reports may include some interpretation, perhaps with some cross
sections if the contractor has been asked to do so, but such interpreta-
tion may be rather general and unreliable, not least because the GI
contractor will not be aware of the full details of the planned project.
Generally, it is up to the design engineer to produce a full interpreta-
tion of the ground model in the light of his desk study, including air
photo interpretations and the factual GI (that he has speci
ed). This
might be done supported by hand-drawn cross sections and block
diagrams
which should ensure that the data are considered carefully
and should enable any anomalies and errors to be spotted. There is a
tendency now to rely upon computer-generated images, with proper-
ties de
-
ne units (e.g. Culshaw, 2005; Turner,
2006), which might reduce the chance that key features of the model
are properly recognised by a professional.
ned statistically to de
