Earth mechanics in earth structures engineering

Abstract

After completion of preliminary studies using available information sources and remote sensing or probing techniques, a site investigation is carried out to obtain detailed stratigraphic information and samples for identification and testing purposes. The two most important considerations in any site investigation are as follows:

• a) Not to miss important detail: many examples of unanticipated construction problems and failures of earth structures have resulted because some important detail, such as thin weak layers, pervious layers, artesian pressures, fracturing or other discontinuities, or lateral variations in stratigraphy or lithology, has been missed during site investigations.

• b) To obtain the correct material properties: for laboratory testing, representative undisturbed samples must be obtained; alternatively, or as an additional source of data, representative field tests must be conducted.