Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Site investigation
1.1 Geotechnical involvement
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There are two approaches for acquiring geotechnical data:
- Accept the ground conditions as a design element, ie based on the struc-
ture/development design location and configuration, then obtain the relevant
ground conditions to design for/against. This is the traditional approach.
- Geotechnical input throughout the project by planning the struc-
ture/development with the ground as a considered input, ie the design,
layout and configuration is influenced by the ground conditions. This is the
recommended approach for minimisation of overall project costs.
•
Geotechnical involvement should occur throughout the life of the project. The
input varies depending on phase of project.
•
The phasing of the investigation provides the benefit of improved quality and
relevance of the geotechnical data to the project.
Table 1.1
Geotechnical involvement.
Geotechnical study for types of projects
Project phase
Small
Medium
Large
Feasibility/IAS
Desktop study
Desktop study
Planning
Desktop study/
Site
investigation
Definition of needs
Preliminary engineering
Preliminary site investigation
Site investigation (S.I.)
Detailed design
Detailed site investigation
Construction
Monitoring/Inspection
Inspection
Monitoring/Inspection
Maintenance
Inspection
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Impact Assessment Study (IAS).
•
Planning may occur before or after IAS depending on the type of project.
