Site

Investigation
Tests

Objective
Student should be able to :-

introduces techniques take a disturbed and undisturbed

soil
determine the nature of the soil by the phase relationship

Introduction
Site investigation is part of the land inspection is very
important in the field of geotechnical engineering. Site
investigation worksinclude reconnaissance, observation, sampli
ng, testing in-situ, and the determination of the soil
profile. This work is essential for the basic design and
construction work because the soil has features which are
not homogeneous, elastic, or isotropic, and soil
types also vary significantly in levels of up to 30m from 50m
depth of the soil surface.
In BS 5930 has listed the purpose of site investigation. Among
them are:
-to determine whether the site is suitable for the proposed work
-to enable the safe and economical design of the building
-to overcome problems during construction due to land
and other local conditions
-to investigate the reasons for these changes either in natural
conditions or other factors

Theory
According to the definition of the term civil engineering, land is
mineral particles with weak bonds and non-binding. It is formed
from the weathering of the
rock results, and between theseparticles are made up of
water voids and air.
Site investigation describes the process of carrying out
investigations on land to determine whether there is
contamination present and to collect sufficient, suitable data for
the purpose of risk assessment. The investigation is normally
carried out in several stages. These stages range from a desk
study and simple visual inspection to full intrusive investigation
using trial pits and boreholes etc and the sampling and analysis
of materials that of the bulk density and moisture content can
be calculated using the formula: -

bulk density =

mass of soil
soil volume

moisture content=

soil mass
mass of dry soil

volume of thecylinder = r 2 t

Apparatus

hand auger

canned

jets

Pan Balance sensitive to 0.1 gram

sylinder mold

Procedure
1)Soil is dug to a depth of 0.5m

2) Sample tube connected to a device template. Template tools

come down to the bottom hole and then the stress in the soil.
Save disturbed soil samples to be brought to the laboratory.

3) Examples of non-virgin out of the tube sample divided into

molds and cut both ends not disturbed near the mold

4) Diameter and length of sample is measured. Accurately

weighed sample mass and find the density of loose

A moisture content cans clean and dry at the right scale

properly powered. land away from the sample is taken and
placed in cans. Soil weighed wet and dry in oven for 24 hours
and weighed again.

Data and result

Table A

Item
long
diameter
mass
volume
density

Evidenc
e
7
3.7
0.164
10.752
0.015

Table B

Item

Evidenc
e

Cans mass
Mass of wet soil + cans
mass
Mass of dry soil + cans
mass
Mass of wet soil
Mass of dry soil
moisture content

0.049
0.097
0.089
0.047
0.039
1.205
%

Discussion
1) Give the type of land suitable for investigation using the
above method. If this method be carried out on sandy soil
explain the steps to be taken
-This method is used in the land parched, medium and wet and
happy at penetrating.This tool cannot be used on sandy soil.
Land of low viscosity will cause the land is not attached to the
device when the pull-out.
2) Provide appropriate limit research into soil auger. Explain
why this method is not suitable for the deeper point

-Extension rods measuring only 1m long.This method is not

suitable for more in point because this method uses limited
manpower and the height does not exceed the human breast.
3) Give the type of construction sites where the level of
research hand auger methods and provide an explanation
-hand auger method suitable for the construction of low-cost
housing etc.Energy to bring is small and space facilities to
anyone, especially low-class contractors to use and does not
require high costs to get it from other equipment

Conclusion
In selecting the site investigation methods are four factors that
must be taken into account:
a. Geological conditions at the site.

Clay-borehole
Sandy soil-borehole, sampling equipment
Land neat-compact-trial pits / holes test
Soft rock on the GWT-trial pits
Hard rock-excavations / form

b. Topographical conditions at the site

 Terrain conditions & facilities in and out of the site is

important in the process of bringing equipment to the
construction site, a site investigation.
The hills: 'Heading' more appropriate.
Swampy areas: Provide an appropriate road or area of a
'hardstanding'.
c. The type of information required

Conditions of soil and rock under the soil surface.

Average geometry of the connection of land (geology)
Groundwater conditions (flow dsbg)
Location of the land surface of a failure.

d. Cost & time.

Reference
1) M.S. Mamlouk and J.P. Zaniewski, geotechnics engineering,
1999, Addison-Wesley, Menlo Park CA,
Retrieve from : www.tanah.wikipedia.com.my
www.scibe.gerimit tangancom.my
www.penyediaantapak.com.my

 www.jkrterengganu.com.my

Content

no

Title

page

objective

Introduction

theory

apparatus

procedure

7-8

Data and result

discussion

10

conclusion

11

reference

12