SHEET NO.

3 SUBSOIL EXPLORATION
HOME WORK

Assistant Prof./ Dr. Rafi’ M.S.

1. Name several sources for information and preliminary evaluation of a building site.
2. Explain briefly the difference between a preliminary exploration and a detailed exploration.
3. Name several pieces of information that are obtained from a typical subsurface investigation.
4. Name several factors that are relevant to the planning for a well-balanced exploration program.
5. How does one go about planning the depth of the boring, the boring layout, and the type of
samples?.
6. What is a test pit? Give some of the negative and positive aspects of a test pit.
7. What is a test boring? How does it differ from a test pit?.
8. What is a disturbed soil sample? What is an undisturbed soil sample? How is each obtained?.
9. Describe the features of a Shelby-tube sampler. How does this differ from the split-spoon
sampler?.
10. What is a core sample? How is it obtained? What information can be obtained by evaluating this
sample?.
11. What is a vane shear test? Describe the apparatus.
12. What are boring logs?.
13. Can a split-spoon sampler penetrate a typical rock formation? Can a fight auger penetrate a rock
formation? Explain.
14. Shelby tubes are usually pushed into the strata. However, some practitioners regard driving the
tube an acceptable approach. How might the disturbance be affected by the two methods for each
type listed below? (a) Very soft clay, and (b) Hard clay.

1-1