Site Investigations and Mapping for Geotechnical Engineering

Jan 6
02:58

2020

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

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There are so many things that should be considered before construction can begin. Especially when huge structures or buildings are built. One of these things that should be done is site investigations and mapping. This is a procedure that is essential to be done, before and during the construction to ensure that the soil is correct for the structure that is built there. For those that don’t really know what field investigations are all about, this is some information that you will find interesting.

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What are geotechnical site investigations all about?

Before construction can start,Site Investigations and Mapping for Geotechnical Engineering Articles a field investigation needs to be done. This is done by geotechnical engineering firms that are taking samples of the different layers of soil.

They are testing the type of soil that the construction site has, in order to make sure that the structure is built correctly and securely. The wrong soil can mean that the structure won’t be durable and long-lasting, and might not pass the final inspection. It is also important to make sure to test if there is any underground water running through the construction site. They are also considering erosion prevention during construction.

These tests are done before and during the construction. To ensure that they have done the right geotechnical tests and that the results are still the same as what it was before construction.

What is done during site investigation and mapping

Like construction inspections, there are a couple of things that are getting done during the field investigation. They are drilling through a couple of soil layers to get soil samples underneath the surface. This soil is sent away for testing. The results are going to determine the building process, and the type of concrete that is going to be used for building the structure.

There is also going to be tested for water running underneath the ground, through the construction site. This can cause long-term damage if this isn’t considered during the foundation building.  

Why is site investigation essential?

Site investigations, a specialist geotechnical engineering service that is done by geotechnical engineers, are essential. This is because the whole construction and the finished building will depend on the testing that was done beforehand and during the construction.

The foundation of any building is the most important part of the building. If this is compromised, the whole building is going to be compromised. The investigations are to prevent the foundation to weaken during the build process.

Negative things that can happen when site investigations aren’t performed correctly

There are many things that can go wrong when field investigations aren’t done correctly, or not getting done by professional geotechnical engineers.

The building will not be as safe for people as needed, and there is always a chance that the building can collapse. It might cost a lot of money to repair the faults before the building can be declared safe for opening. And, the foundation that can’t be seen, might be damaged without anyone knowing. Over time, this building will just get weaker and weaker. And, no one will really know if there is an underground water fountain or not.

Field investigations by geotechnical engineers are really essential for most construction sites. And, no one can start building, unless they are getting clear from the engineers. With this information, you will understand the field investigations a lot better and you will know why this is something that should be done before construction. There are too many risks to consider, to start building without the approval of geotechnical engineers after a field investigation. Then, you will know for sure, that the project that you have started will be successful at the end of the day.