GEOTECHNICAL APPRAISAL

This article argues that the techniques of ground investigation should be brought into line with the powerful methods of mathematical analysis, such as finite element methods, that are available today. These methods are being used increasingly, but they have little value unless they use high-quality input data. As a ground investigation proceeds, less additional information is obtained as a given extra amount of money is spent. As the investigation becomes more costly, the data obtained should be focused more on construction objectives. Cheap but excessively crude drilling rigs should not be used for ground investigations. The appropriate high-quality boring and sampling instruments depend on the type of ground. Reasonably complete and detailed soil profiles and lithostratigraphic and hydrogeological logs should be obtained, at as many locations as are required to give confidence to the interpretation between boreholes. Remote sensing techniques, such as seismic reflection and refraction and ground radar, are always worth considering, especially in areas with difficult ground. New in-situ testing methods include the self-boring pressuremeter and seismic cone testing. The borehole log is the key to understanding the ground. Laboratory testing should be well-costed and programmed, and monitoring during construction is vital.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    THE MINING JOURNAL LTD

    60 WORSHIP STREET
    LONDON,   United Kingdom  EC2A 2HD
  • Authors:
    • HINDLE, D J
  • Publication Date: 1995-11

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00720790
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: May 24 1996 12:00AM