Geotechnical Investegations

Prior to commencing any development project, conducting a geotechnical investigation is imperative. This investigation entails examining the ground conditions, encompassing soil, rock, and groundwater, along with their characteristics, to ascertain potential risks and impacts associated with construction activities.

BENEFITS

UNDERSTANDING THE GROUND CONDITIONS

It is crucial to grasp the ground conditions within the project area. Soil and rock attributes can significantly influence the design and construction of various structures such as foundations, earthworks, tunnels, and retaining walls. The investigation furnishes data on soil and rock attributes like strength, stiffness, permeability, and compressibility, aiding in the creation of secure and cost-efficient structures. Additionally, the geotechnical investigation aids in pinpointing potential hazards like landslides, sinkholes, or subsidence, which could jeopardize the project’s safety and stability.

GEOLOGICAL MAPPING

A fundamental aspect of the investigation process involves geological mapping. This entails identifying landforms and geomorphological processes while gathering geological, structural, and rock mass data from exposures like pit faces, road cuttings, or natural outcrops.
The purpose of geological mapping is to gain insight into site-specific geological conditions, including potential geo-hazards. Additionally, it aids in providing a preliminary assessment of how the soil and rock may react to proposed structures, thus facilitating the optimal design of foundations, pavements, and earthworks necessary for construction projects.
Conducting a desktop study, which involves assessing previous experiences in the subject area, available historical land information, and aerial photography, is essential in this process.

ENSURING SAFETY

Geotechnical investigation plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the development project. Understanding the soil and rock conditions is crucial for devising secure and stable structures. This examination helps in identifying potential hazards such as unstable soil, sinkholes, or landslide-prone areas, which could jeopardize the project’s safety and stability. Moreover, it facilitates determining the appropriate foundation design, a critical aspect for ensuring project safety.

COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Understanding local, state, and federal regulatory geotechnical compliance requirements is vital. A proactive approach and a sound understanding of the ultimate design solutions enable refining the investigation scope to deliver an effective and efficient outcome. GEOCONSOL engineers have demonstrated the efficacy of an efficient geotechnical investigation scope in saving both time and money for clients.

COST-EFFECTIVE DESIGN

Understanding soil and rock properties aids in designing structures that are not overly engineered, thereby reducing construction costs. Furthermore, the investigation can identify the most suitable construction methods for the site, potentially saving both time and money. Additionally, it can offer recommendations for ground improvement techniques, enhancing the soil’s bearing capacity and diminishing the necessity for expensive foundation designs.

GEOCONSOL SERVICES:

At GEOCONSOL, we deliver a tailored suite of the following services to accommodate project geology, complexity, diverse design solutions, and safety requirements.

• Geotechnical desktop study and geological mapping
• Drilling in soil and rock
• Cone penetrometer testing (CPT)
• Test pit excavation
• Geophysical investigation
• Insitu testing in investigation including pressuremeter testing, packer testing
• Rising head and falling head permeability testing in standpipes
• Pile load (pull out and lateral) testing
• Laboratory testing

GEOCONSOL has certified resources to provide the above services.