Synonyms
Geotechnical investigation; Site assessment; Site characterization; Subsurface investigation
Definition
A site investigation is a planned field and office exercise used to obtain new information or verify existing data to support the design of a built structure, excavation, or site improvement. It may include collecting surface and/or subsurface information and be located on land, underwater, or a combination of both.
Introduction
The design of a site investigation generally follows an iterative process whereby basic or broad-based data are successively modified or supplemented by newer or more focused studies. The complexity of the site investigation is directly related to both the variability of the site conditions and the natural compatibility of the site to the planned improvement. Some complex sites occur in remote and often harsh environments and require specialized equipment. An example of this is an elevated jack-up drilling rig used for shallow water exploration in...
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References
Active Standard ASTM E1527 – 13 (2013) Developed by subcommittee: E50.02 standard practice for environmental site assessments: phase I environmental site assessment process
ASTM E1903-11 (2011) Standard practice for environmental site assessments: phase II environmental site assessment process
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Godwin, W.H. (2018). Designing Site Investigations. In: Bobrowsky, P.T., Marker, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73568-9_86
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-73568-9_86
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