Name: Cosmin Ducea

ID number: 14245701

Geo Site Investigation

1. Geotechnical site investigation is the process throughtout essential data are acquired before
the construction of any civil engineering project. In this process rock masses parameters and
any other relevant information are acquired, properties that across time might affect the
construction in any way.

2. There isnt an exact procedure that it can be followed when a site is investigated, it can vary
from person to person meaning that some steps can be omitted according to the
investigation goal although is indicated that all steps and all tests are performed for a good
site investigation.
First step is the desk investigation. As the name says is a research about geological history
of the investigated location. It can be done consulting the geological maps of the location, or
examining the previous ground investigation records, if there is any, or any other source that
can provide reliable information. The goal of the desk study is to gather information about
ground condition and identify the potential construct problem.
Next step is selecting the exploration technique that will be used to evaluate the surface and
sub-surface conditions.
At the beginning of the field investigation the first thing to do is a site reconnaissance to
assess topography, access routes and possible hazard threats. Once the location is
determined samples are collected. It is very important that the samples are collected from
key-points of the site, meaning that they should be as representative as possible for the site.
Once the samples are collected laboratory test are performed to determine all the necessary
rock mass parameters.
After all the information regarding rock masses properties are determined a report can be
filled and a decision can be made.
3. The process of collecting samples depends on a few factors: first samples are collected
according to the laboratory test that will later be performed and the parameters investigated;
it also depends on the techniques/technologies selected according to some other factors
like: depth of sampling, toughness of the rock, etc.
The important thing in collecting samples is that the samples are representative for the
investigated site so errors and end financial problems can be avoided.
By collecting samples so that they are representative for the site we make sure of the verity
of the obtained data.
4. Geotechnical data collection for the construction of a dam
The general types of exploration for this kind of project used to investigate project sites fall
into four categories: geological reconnaissance and mapping, borings, special excavations
and geophysical measurement.

Geological reconnaissance and mapping is crucial for understanding critical items

influencing siting, design and construction. It practically gives the overall picture. The
geological map is very useful in evaluating any stability, settlement or seepage problems that
may occur during the operation of the project.
Boring are the most practical and accurate sub-surface information. The most important
aspect of this procedure is the recovery of the material penetrated, the samples.
Special excavation are those openings made with machinery other than drill rigs for the
purpose of obtaining soil or rock samples, or conducting in situ testing. They consist of test
pits, test trenches, large diameter borings, tunnels, drifts or adits. This is a method of
collecting samples of big volume.
Geophysical exploration are an indirect method of obtaining generalised subsurface
geological information by using special instruments to make certain physical measurements.
Geophysical exploration complement core drilling, test pits or other direct method of subsurface exploration and cand provide a rapid evaluation of certain geological condition.
After these steps are complete laboratory test will be perform on the collected samples.
Laboratory testing of foundation material may include routine test as: direct shear, unconfind
and triaxial compression test, sliding friction, modulus of elasticity, tensile strenght, natural
and dry density, moisture content, consolidation, Atteberg limits, grain size analysis and
permeability. Further test for foundation rebound, slaking, collapsibility, permeability,
compation and determination of the mineral and chemical composition of the rock and
ground water will be required. In addition, where liquefiation potential may be need to
evaluate, dynamic laboratory tests such as cyclic direct shear and/or cyclic triaxial
compression test will be necessary.
Laboratory test need to provide information regarding the behavior of foundation under the
various condition, condition to which it will be subjected such as rebound due to removal of
load, application of load, exposure to weather, wet-dry and freeze-thaw cycles. The
interpretation, evaluation and application of the test results is a highly important phase and
depends to a great degree upon experience and judgement in correlating and weighing the
accumulated data.
One of the most important test in the geotechnical survey of a dam project is permeability
field test. Peambility test can be done either by pumping out or by hydraulic pressure.The
pumping-out test consists of bailing or pumping water from wells or boreholes and observing
the effect of this operation on the water level in these and nearby holes. The test usually is
performed in one or more of the exploratory borings.
The hydraulic pressure test consists of pumping water under pressure into an isolated zone
in the rock or overburden through a borehole and noting the quantity of water pumped at any
given pressure.
While the above field tests may be used to provide information on the foundation, additional
field tests for evaluating the physical characteristics of the rock mass as a whole may be
justified, tests like: Test blasting, rock bolt pull-out tests, flat jacking tests, Goodman jacking
tests, chamber tests, and direct shear strength.