Ground Investigation Techniques

Author: hostarticles | Posted: 25.06.2012

Subsurface investigation is the most important step performed before starting any kind of construction over the surface. Ground investigation reveals lots of information about the surface and geotechnical engineering that provides a lot of tools for understanding the nature of soil near the construction area. This article is throwing light on some important ground investigation techniques used by scientists.

Soil Boring Installation: Soil boring is another geotechnical engineering technique used to evaluate a given subsurface. This process involves taking soil samples for important information including physical properties of soil, any possible contamination and nature of soil etc. Soil samples are collected with different tools including split-spoons, auger buckets, dual tube and even large bores.

Geophysical Investigation: This type of investigation is focused towards evaluation of rock and soil of the site and any kind of natural resources present at the site including water or even soil. Some important methods used for geophysical investigation include metal detection, ground-penetrating radar, seismic methods, electromagnetic methods and use of magnetometers.

Soil Vapor Survey: Soil vapor surveys are the least expensive method of identifying any type of contamination of soil. This method uses active soil sampling devices for collecting data regarding the constituents of soil and chemicals present in the soil. These are generally used in initial subsurface investigation.

Groundwater well installation: Groundwater data will help hydro geologists in evaluating subsurface. The process involves installation of temporary or even permanent water wells for providing proper samples of groundwater. There are a lot of points discussed in this process including the sample and water table information of the soil. Some of the most used tools and equipments in this process are water level indicators and submersible pumps for the survey. It is really important to understand the characteristics of soil and water at the site.



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