Site investigation

A) Site Investigation
Site investigations are consist of determining the profile of natural soil deposits at the
site, by taking the soil samples, determining the engineering properties of the soils. It
is also includes in-situ testing of the soils (Vane shear test). Subsoil exploration is the
first step in the designing of a foundation system.

Subsoil exploration: -
1. Direct Methods
Direct methods of exploration include the digging of test pits and the use of auger
drilling or rotary drilling. Each method has its merits and its drawbacks.

a) Test Pits
The use of test pits is limited by the following:
✓ When the depth of the test is limited (about 4m).
✓ When the soil is unstable and has the tendency to collapse (large boulders and
cobbles). Auger drilling through boulders and cobbles is difficult. The cost of
rotary drilling may not be warranted for small projects.

b) Auger Drilling
In auger drilling, the hole is advanced by rotating a soil auger while pressing it into
the soil, and later withdrawing and emptying the soil-laden auger.
The augers can be operated manually (3 to 6 m in soft soils) or mechanically (to a
great depth).

c) Rotary Drilling
In rotary drilling, the borehole is advanced by rapid rotation of the drilling bit, which
cuts and grinds the material at the bottom of the hole into small particles. The cuttings
are removed by pumping drilling fluid from a sump down through the drill rods and
bit, up through the hole from which it flows first into a settling pond, and then back to
the main pit.

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2- Indirect Methods
The geophysical method of exploration is the main indirect method of subsoil
exploration.

Boreholes (B.H.)
The number of the boreholes and the depth required for a project depend on the type
of foundation system and uniformity of the subsoil condition as shown in Figure (1).

1. Boreholes Spacing
Boreholes should be spaced at a distance according to the type of project.

2. Boreholes Depth
The depth of the test hole required is generally governed by the type of foundation.

3. Water in the Boreholes

It is always necessary to wait for at least 24 hours after borehole drilling to check on
the stabilized water table for the final measurement.

Sampling
Soil samples are obtained during sub-surface exploration to determine the engineering
properties of the soils and rocks. Soil samples are generally classified into two
categories:

1. Disturbed Samples
These are the samples in which the natural structure of the soil gets disturbed during
sampling. Disturbed samples can be used to determine the index properties of soil,
such as grain size, plasticity characteristics, and specific gravity.
Representative samples can usually be obtained by driving into the ground an open-
ended cylinder known as “Split Spoon” during standard penetration test (SPT).

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2. Undisturbed Samples
These are the samples in which the natural structure of the soil and the water content
are retained. Undisturbed samples are used for determining the engineering properties
of the soils, such as compressibility, shear strength, and permeability. It is taken by a
very simple sampler consists of a section of thin-walled “Shelby” tube.
Samples of rock are generally obtained by rotary core drilling.

Site investigations are generally done to obtain the information that is

useful for one or more of the following purposes:-
1- To select the type and depth of foundation for a given structure.
2- To determine the bearing capacity of the soil.
3- To estimate maximum and differential settlements.
4- To establish the ground water level.
5- To select suitable construction techniques.

B.H. B.H. B.H. B.H.

Fill and top soil

Sand

Silty
clay

Gravell
y
clay

Sand and
gravel

Figure (1): Soil Profile from boring information