Without prior soil investigation, it is impossible for engineers to design a structure, in general,

which is reasonably suitable with the physical properties of its underlying ground and surrounding
slopes. To limit the probability of failure, damage, and loss, it is important to make sure that the
structures are safe for everyone to whom it caters. It is achieved by ensuring a thorough and systematic
investigation on the site’s geological structure, lithological details, groundwater conditions, and its
seismic factor. Simply, the pinnacle reason as to why engineers needed to investigate first the site
before construction is to avoid destruction.
First phase of the investigation would be the desk study. All necessary information and data are
collected as basis for the preceding site investigations. It includes the gathering of topographical maps,
specifically to picture out the contour surveys of the area, aerial photographs to trace the stream’s
stability from multiple years ago.
The preceding phase is the reconnaissance of the area. It is a physical investigation of the area
first hand to gather evidence on the area’s hydrogeology, slope instability, mining activity, and its
accessibility. Any evidence from the parameters that will pose difficulty in construction is addressed by
further investigations and elimination.
It is in the preliminary site investigation that drilling bore holes commence. Subsoil explorations
are established to provide profile of the soil, its depths on each stratum, depth from the bedrock and its
engineering properties. It also establishes the feasibility of the project.
If so, a more detailed site investigation is undertaken. It is when additional bore drilling are
established which are located based on previous preliminary borings to further acquire samples
required.

Desk Study Reconnaissance of the Area

 Boring from Pontoon for Kallang Bridge Site
180 ft R.C Bridge Project, 2018
Investigation, 1953