About Service Team Contact

SITE INVESTIGATION
AND FOUNDATION
GROUP 3

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 About Service Team Contact

SITE INVESTIGATION
Site investigation, also known as a site survey or site
assessment, is a systematic process of gathering
information about a specific location or piece of land
to assess its suitability for a particular purpose or to
understand its geological, environmental, and
structural characteristics. Site investigations are
commonly carried out in various fields, including
construction, engineering, environmental science,
geology, and urban planning

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 Procurement of Environmental Site
consultants after the Assessment
initial idea
This is conducted to evaluate the
In a field of architecture or civil
potential environmental impact of a
engineering, construction is also
site. It includes assessing soil and
known as a building or infrastructure
water quality, as well as identifying
unit in an area or several areas
any potential contamination.

Archaeological
Geotechnical Investigation
Investigation
This involves studying the soil and In cases where historical or
rock conditions at a site. It helps archaeological artifacts may be present,
investigations are conducted to assess
engineers and architects understand the cultural significance of a site.
the stability of the ground for
construction purposes.
 Procurement of
consultants after the
initial idea
In a field of architecture or civil
engineering, construction is also
known as a building or infrastructure
unit in an area or several areas
Topographical
Survey
This involves mapping the physical
features of the land, such as
elevation, slopes, and natural
features. This information is crucial
for designing infrastructure and
understanding the landscape.
Structural
Investigation
For existing structures, investigations
may be carried out to assess their
condition, integrity, and any
potential safety concerns.
Hydrological and
Hydrogeological Studies
These studies focus on the water-
related aspects of a site, including
surface water drainage, groundwater
flow, and potential flood risks.
 IMPORTANCE OF SITE INVESTIGATION
1. Foundation Design - Site investigation provides crucial information about the
geological and geotechnical conditions of the site.

2. Risk Management - • Understanding the site conditions through investigation

helps identify potential risks and challenges.

3. Cost Savings - Accurate site information helps in optimizing the design and
construction processes, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

4. Construction Planning - Site investigation is essential for effective construction

planning.

5. Structural Integrity - Site investigation ensures that the chosen construction

site can safely accommodate the intended structure.

6. Environmental Considerations - Site investigation includes assessing

environmental factors that may impact construction.
 IMPORTANCE OF SITE INVESTIGATION
7. Regulatory Compliance - Many construction projects are subject to
regulatory requirements related to site conditions and environmental
impact.

8. Project Timeline - Early identification of site challenges through

investigation allows for better project scheduling.

9. Safety of Construction Workers - Site investigation helps identify

potential hazards or unsafe conditions.

10. Long-Term Project Success - A thorough site investigation contributes

to the overall success and longevity of the construction project.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF A SOLID FOUNDATION

1. Structural Stability - The foundation is the base upon which the entire structure
rests.

2. Load Distribution - A well-designed foundation evenly distributes the load of the

structure to the underlying soil or bedrock.

3. Building Safety - A solid foundation is essential for the safety of occupants.

4. Prevention of Settlement - Settlement can occur over time due to various

factors, such as soil compression or consolidation.

5. Support for Vertical Loads - The foundation supports the vertical loads of the
structure, including the weight of the building itself, occupants, furniture, and
additional loads.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF A SOLID FOUNDATION

6. Resistance to Lateral Forces - Foundations must resist lateral forces, such as

wind or seismic loads.

7. Protection Against Soil Movement - Different soil types have varying degrees of
stability. A solid foundation accounts for soil conditions, preventing issues like
soil erosion, expansion, or contraction that could compromise the integrity of
the structure.

8. Durability and Longevity - A well-constructed foundation contributes to the

durability and long-term performance of the entire building.

9. Compatibility with Building Type - The type of foundation chosen depends on the
characteristics of the soil and the nature of the structure.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF A SOLID FOUNDATION

10. Cost Savings - Investing in a solid foundation upfront can lead to long-term
cost savings by avoiding the need for extensive repairs or retrofitting due to
foundation issues.

11. Compliance with Building Codes - Building codes often mandate specific
standards for foundations to ensure safety and structural integrity. A solid
foundation is designed in compliance with these codes, meeting the required
standards for construction.

12. Resilience to Environmental Factors - A solid foundation takes into account

environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature changes, and other
conditions that can impact the stability of the structure.
 STAGES OF SITE INVESTIGATION

The process for a site investigation involves

four different stages, which extend to:
STAGES OF SITE
INVESTIGATION • Site investigation
• General site exploration
• Detailed site exploration
• Sub-soil investigation and exploration
report
 STAGES OF SITE INVESTIGATION

1. Site Investigation - The initial stage of a site investigation involves simple site
reconnaissance. During this phase, the site will be visually inspected.

2. General Site Exploration - The next phase of the site investigation involves
general site exploration, which is preliminary and not quite as detailed as the next
stage. During this phase of the process, site exploration occurs for light
structures, airfields, highways, and small projects. The primary objective of this
process is to create an estimate of the current sub-soil conditions without
spending a significant sum of money.

3. Detailed Site Exploration If your construction project is meant to be a major

one that involves complex building and design plans, a detailed site exploration
will likely be necessary. Detailed exploration goes further than general site
exploration and should be used when constructing major engineering projects,
more complex projects, and heavy structures.
 STAGES OF SITE INVESTIGATION

4. Sub-Soil Investigation and Exploration Report The fourth and final

stage of a site investigation involves the creation of a sub-soil
investigation and creation report, which is very detailed and provides
construction crews and developers with everything they should know
about the construction site. This report can only be generated once the
general or detailed site exploration process has been performed.
how SITE INVESTIGATION minimizes risks
during construction

1. Saves Money

2. Provides Safety Background on the

Project

3. Reduces damages

4. Aims to Assist in Determining

Construction Materials
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Explanation of soil and rock analysis

1. Sample Collection - Geotechnical engineers collect soil and rock

samples from various depths at the construction site. The samples are
typically obtained through drilling boreholes or trenches.

2. Visual Examination - Engineers visually examine the soil and rock

samples to identify their composition, color, texture, and structure.

3. Grain Size Analysis - Grain size analysis determines the distribution of

particle sizes in soil. This is crucial for understanding the soil's
engineering properties.
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Explanation of soil and rock analysis

4. Atterberg Limits Testing - Atterberg limits testing assesses the moisture

content at which soil transitions between solid, plastic, and liquid
states.

5. Proctor Compaction Test - The Proctor compaction test determines the

maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soil.

6. Triaxial and Direct Shear Tests - Triaxial and direct shear tests assess
the shear strength of soil under different stress conditions.

7. Consolidation Testing - Consolidation testing evaluates how much a

soil compresses under loads over time.
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Explanation of soil and rock analysis

8. Rock Strength Testing - For rock analysis, engineers conduct tests to

determine the strength and deformation properties of the rock.

9. Porosity and Permeability Assessment - Porosity measures the void

spaces in a soil or rock sample, while permeability assesses how easily
fluids can flow through it.

10. Chemical Analysis - Chemical analysis helps identify the mineral

composition of rocks and detect any harmful substances or
contaminants in the soil.
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Explanation of soil and rock analysis

11. Correlation with Site Conditions - The results of soil and rock
analysis are correlated with other site conditions, such as groundwater
levels and seismic activity.
 GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

Importance OF geotechnical investigation in foundation

design

Geotechnical investigation plays a critical role in

foundation design for construction projects. The
information obtained from geotechnical investigations
provides essential data that engineers use to make informed
decisions about the type and design of foundations.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Addressing potential contaminants in environmental investigations

1. Preliminary Site Assessment - Conduct a preliminary site assessment to

identify potential contaminants based on historical land use, previous
activities, and known sources of pollution.

2. Sampling and Analysis - Collect soil, water, and air samples from
various locations across the site to assess the presence and
concentration of contaminants.

3. Risk Assessment - Conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the potential

harm that contaminants may pose to human health, ecosystems, and
groundwater resources.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Addressing potential contaminants in environmental investigations

4. Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with environmental

regulations and standards relevant to the identified contaminants.

5. Identification of Responsible Parties - Determine the responsible parties

or entities that may be liable for the contamination.

6. Notification and Reporting - Notify relevant regulatory authorities,

stakeholders, and the public about the findings of the environmental
investigation.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Addressing potential contaminants in environmental investigations

7. Remediation Planning - Develop a comprehensive remediation plan that

outlines strategies for cleaning up or mitigating the effects of
contaminants.

8. Implementing Remediation Measures - Execute the remediation plan,

employing engineering solutions, biological treatments, or other
appropriate methods to address specific contaminants.

9. Long-Term Monitoring - Establish a long-term monitoring program to

assess the ongoing effectiveness of remediation measures.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Addressing potential contaminants in environmental investigations

10. Community Engagement - Engage with the local community to provide

information about the environmental investigation, the remediation
plan, and ongoing monitoring efforts.

11. Documentation and Reporting - Maintain detailed documentation of

all phases of the environmental investigation and remediation efforts.

12. Legal Considerations - Be aware of legal implications and potential

liabilities associated with contamination.
 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Compliance with environmental regulations in environmental

investigations

Compliance with environmental regulations is a critical aspect

of environmental investigations. Adhering to these regulations
ensures that investigations are conducted responsibly,
ethically, and in accordance with legal standards.
 SITE INVESTIGATION METHODS

Borehole drilling

Borehole drilling - is a process of creating a hole or well in the ground

to access and extract natural resources, obtain geologic information,
or install various subsurface structures.

In-situ testing

In-situ testing - involves In-situ testing involves conducting

measurements, tests, and analyses directly in the ground at the actual
location where the data is needed.
 SITE INVESTIGATION METHODS

Laboratory testing

Laboratory testing in site investigation involves analyzing soil and

rock samples collected from the field to determine their physical,
mechanical, and chemical properties.

Ground-penetrating radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical technique used in site

investigation to non-invasively explore the subsurface by transmitting
electromagnetic pulses into the ground and recording the reflected
signals.
 SITE INVESTIGATION METHODS

Remote sensing techniques

Remote sensing techniques in site investigation involve the collection

and interpretation of information about the Earth's surface and
subsurface without direct physical contact. These techniques utilize
various sensors mounted on satellites, aircraft, drones, or ground-
based platforms to gather data.

Visual inspection

Visual inspection is a fundamental and initial component of site

investigation that involves the direct observation of the site and its
surroundings.
 FOUNDATION TYPES

1. shallow foundation

A shallow foundation, also known as a "spread footing" or "open

foundation," is a type of foundation that is designed to transfer
building loads to the underlying soil near the surface.

Spread footings

A spread footing, also known as a spread or isolated footing, is a type

of shallow foundation used to support a single column or a closely
spaced group of columns. It is a common and straightforward
foundation design for buildings and structures where the load-bearing
capacity of the near-surface soil is sufficient to support the applied
loads.
 FOUNDATION TYPES

Mat foundation

A mat foundation, also known as a raft foundation, is a type of shallow

foundation that covers the entire area under a building and supports
all the columns and walls.

2. . Deep Foundations

Deep foundations are a type of foundation that extends beyond the

uppermost layer of soil and transfers structural loads to deeper, more
competent layers.
 FOUNDATION TYPES

Pile foundations

Pile foundations are a type of deep foundation that consists of long,

slender elements known as piles.

Pier foundations

A pier foundation is a type of deep foundation that consists of

cylindrical vertical columns, known as piers, which transfer loads from
a superstructure (such as a building or bridge) to deeper, more stable soil
or rock layers.
h
• SOIL BEARING CAPACITY
• DEPTH OF BEDROCK
• GROUNDWATER TABLE
• PROXIMITY TO ADJACENT
STRUCTURES
• PROJECT LOAD
REQUIREMENTS
 FOUNDATION DESIGN PROCESS
1. Site Investigation:
Conduct a thorough site investigation to gather information about soil conditions, groundwater levels, and other
geotechnical factors.

2. Load Analysis:
Determine the loads that the foundation will need to support. This includes dead loads (permanent), live loads (temporary),
and environmental loads (wind, earthquakes).

3. Foundation Types:
Based on the site investigation and load analysis, select an appropriate foundation type.

4. Bearing Capacity Calculation:

Calculate the bearing capacity of the soil to ensure that it can support the loads imposed by the structure.

5. Settlement Analysis:
Perform settlement analysis to predict how much the foundation will settle under the applied loads.
 FOUNDATION DESIGN PROCESS
6. Foundation Design:
Design the foundation elements based on the chosen foundation type. This may involve sizing and detailing components
such as footings, slabs, beams, and piles

7. Structural Analysis:
Integrate the foundation design with the overall structural design of the building or structure.

8. Code Compliance:
Ensure that the foundation design complies with relevant building codes, standards, and regulations.

9. Construction Considerations:
Develop construction details and specifications for the foundation.

10. Review and Approval:

Have the foundation design reviewed by a qualified structural engineer or a peer review process.
 FOUNDATION DESIGN PROCESS
11. Construction Monitoring:
Monitor the construction process to ensure that the foundation is built according to the approved design.

12. As-Built Documentation:

Document the as-built conditions of the foundation after construction.

The foundation design process requires collaboration between geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and
construction professionals. It's crucial to follow a systematic and thorough approach to ensure the safety and stability of
the structure over its intended lifespan. Additionally, periodic inspections and maintenance are essential to address any
changes or issues that may arise over time.
CHALLENGES IN SITE
Uncertain Subsurface Conditions:
The subsurface conditions can vary significantly, and uncertainties
about soil composition, groundwater levels, and other geotechnical

INVESTIGATION AND
factors can pose challenges.

Site Accessibility:

FOUNDATION.
Limited access to the construction site can make it difficult to perform
detailed site investigations. Remote or challenging terrain may
require specialized equipment or techniques for data collection.

Environmental Considerations:
Environmental factors such as contamination, endangered species, or
protected habitats can complicate site investigations and may
influence foundation design.

Seismic Considerations:
In seismically active regions, the dynamic behavior of the soil during
an earthquake is a critical consideration. Accurately predicting and
designing for seismic forces requires a comprehensive understanding
of the site's seismic characteristics.
CHALLENGES IN SITE
Lateral Loading Conditions:
Structures may experience lateral loads from wind, seismic activity, or
other forces. Designing foundations to resist these lateral loads while

INVESTIGATION AND
maintaining stability can be challenging.

Settlement Concerns:

FOUNDATION.
Predicting and controlling foundation settlement is crucial to avoid
structural damage. Dealing with variable soil types and
compressibility can be challenging.

Expansive Soils:
Sites with expansive clay soils can experience significant volume
changes with moisture variations, leading to heave or settlement.

Construction Constraints:
Site conditions may pose challenges during construction, such as
limited space, proximity to existing structures, or the need to work in
challenging weather conditions. Planning construction activities and
selecting appropriate construction methods are essential.

Existing Infrastructure:
Proximity to existing infrastructure, such as underground utilities or
structures, can complicate foundation design and construction.
CHALLENGES IN SITE
Budgetary Constraints:
Engineers must optimize foundation design to provide adequate
support while staying within budgetary limitations.

INVESTIGATION AND Regulatory Compliance:

Navigating and complying with local building codes, environmental
regulations, and other legal requirements can be complex. Staying

FOUNDATION.
abreast of regulatory changes and ensuring that designs meet current
standards is essential.

Long-Term Durability:
Designing foundations to withstand long-term environmental
conditions and potential changes in site conditions is crucial for the
durability of the structure.

Successfully addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary

approach, involving geotechnical engineers, structural engineers,
environmental experts, and construction professionals. Thorough
planning, careful analysis, and ongoing monitoring are essential
elements in mitigating the risks associated with site investigation and
foundation design.
 About Service Team Contact

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