Outcome 1 THE PROCESS OF SITE INVESTIGATION

The process of site investigation (Si's) are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Desk studies Walk over survey Direct ground investigation In-Situ and laboritory testing Site investigation report

Site investigations will take place in the early stages where new buildings/structures are to be erected. The function of the investigation is to systematically record and collate all the information required to acess the feasability and to allow the design and construction process to be carried out. 1. Desk Studies: this is carried out from the office and the collection of data would include: ordnance survey maps - historical and modern, note grid references. geological maps - subsoil types, radon risk. site history - green field/brown field. previous planning applications/approvals. current planning applications in the area. development restrictions - consevation orders. utilities - locations of services on and near the site. aerial photographs. ecology factors - protected wildlife etc. local knowledge - anecdotal information/rights of way. proximity of local land fill sites - mathane risk.

2. Walk over Studies/field Study: this is a physical evaluation of the area of the proposed development, a physical evaluation of the site topography (landscape/scenery) dimensions etc: establish site charactaristics from the desk study. assess potential hazards to health and safety assess dimensions of slopes, road positions noting any height and width restrictions etc. assess/consider surface conditions: trees / plant life - preservation orders topography and geomorphological mapping - position of ponds, burns, etc assess ground conditions: water table flood potential - local water courses and springs soil types contamination - vegetation die-back enginering risks - ground subsidence, mining, old fuel tanks etc financial risks - potential for the unforseen take subsoil samples and conduct in - situ tests the purpose of this is to: 1. determine the suitability of the site 2. determine an adequate and economic foundation design 3. determine any difficulties which could rise during the construction process 4. determine the occurance and/or cause of all changes in subsoil conditions The extent of the soil investigation will depend on the size, weight and complexity of the proposed building. The soil investigation can range from the visual testing to laboratory testing to more elaborate on site testing techniques. Laboratory test: tests subsoil bulk density, shear strength and compaction results will be produced On Site test: such as core sampling, bore hole etc. Soil samples can be obtained from disturbed or undisturbed ground. Disturbed: samples taken from bore holes or excavated tr4ial pits i.e. this method of sampling disturbs the natural structure of the subsoil. Samples should be kept in labelled air tight containers and are suitable for visual grading and moisture content.

Undisturbed: these samples are obtained usingcoring tools i.e. sampling shells these are only suitable for shallow to medium depths, more sophisticated mechanical coring tools are used for greater depths and to penetrate rock

consider the need for subsoil exploration, trial pits and bore holes appraise existing structures: potential for re-use/refurbishment archaeological value/preservation orders demolition - costs, health issues e.g. asbestos visit/chat to locals likely to be affected by the development to determine any issues and future problems

3. Direct Ground Investigation: vane test: in-situ and laboritory testing. This test measures the shear strength of cohesive soils, the steel vane is pushed into the soft clay soil and rotated by hand at a constant rate, the amount of torque necessary for rotation is measured, thus soil shear strength is calculated. standard penetration test: this measures the resistance of the soil to the penetration of a split barrel soil sampler. 4. In-Situ and laboritory testing: bulk density: this test measures mass per unit volume which includes mass of air or water in the voids. shear strength test: this is used to establish its bearing capacity defined as the resistance offered by a soil to the sliding of one particle over another. consolidation: this determines the compressability of a sample. sulphate content: sulphates in the ground attacking the concrete and/or mortar. test results would determine the need for sulphate resisting cement in concrete comstruction. Identification of soil types: identification falls into broad categories: physical charactaristics by examination and testing e.g. visual identification including colour and texture, moisture content, condition particle shape, size and grading, plasticity. structural charactaristics by examination of in-situ and desk information e.g. bedding, discontinuities, state of compaction, geological name and age etc. Sub Soil: the term sub soil describes the layers of strat between the top soil (organic) and the bedrock

soils capable of supporting foundations are known as engineering soils others are known as non - engineering.

Three main categories of soil: 1. cohesive: these soils stick together e.g.clay. they can be rolled int a sausage shape and bent into a ring without splitting or breaking 2. non - cohesive: thes do not stick tpgether e.g. gravel and sand. 3. organic: these are very compressable and are often unreliable structurally e.g. peat. 5. Site Investigation Report content: reports are normally set out in the following sections preamble - giving client details, job and terms of reference general discription of site - including plan grid reference, tapography etc. general geology - use of os and geological map. description of soil in boreholes or trial pits - shown as scaled graphical drawings and include borehole logs. laboritory test results. discusions of results. conclusion and recomendations.