The distribution, type, and engineering properties of subsurface materials must be known for the proper design of most engineering structures. The following typical steps, which lead to an engineering design, are intimately related, and changes in any one of the steps will affect each of the others:
Subsurface explorations and sampling,
Determination of engineering properties (laboratory and field testing),
Analysis and design.
The subsurface explorations and sampling constitute the first important step in geotechnical engineering investigations . A good understanding of the problems encountered in making subsurface explorations and of the various tools available for sampling is essential for the engineer to perform his or her design work properly. The objectives of subsurface exploration and sampling include the following:
Geology and stratigraphy of deposits (areal extent, depth, thickness, composition, and nature of each soil and rock stratum);
The location of groundwater and its...
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References
Hvorslev, M. J., 1949, Subsurface Exploration and Sampling of Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes. Vicksburg, Miss.: U.S. Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. (Reprinted by Engineering Foundation, New York.)
In Situ '86, 1986, Use of in situ tests in geotechnical engineering. Am. Soc. Civil Engineers Geotechnical Spec. Publ. No. 6.
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Lowe, J. III, and P. F. Zaccheo, 1975, Subsurface explorations and sampling, in H. F. Winterkorn and H. Y. Fang, eds., Foundation Engineering Handbook, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1–66.
Sowers, G. B., and G. F. Sowers, 1970, Introductory Soil Mechanics and Foundations, 3rd ed. New York: Macmillan.
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© 1988 Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
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Edil, T.B. (1988). Soil sampling . In: General Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_106
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_106
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