10 Oct Are geotechnical exploration works so important?
The answer is yes because when planning, in the schematic design phase, it is necessary to consider a foundation system of the structure, open pit protection and other earth and geotechnical works. If a halt occurs during the construction, unforeseen circumstances, and with that unscheduled costs, it will mostly be caused by geotechnical conditions in the soil. Most of risks and problems in construction are connected to the foundation soil.
If you are approaching an investment in a professional and responsible manner, it is in your interested to reduce potential risks to a minimum. If you are thinking in that direction you will not think twice about exploration works.
Content and extent of foundation soil exploration has to be based on expected type and the construction project, e.g. type of foundation structure (shallow or deep foundations), soil improvement method (soil replacement, stone columns, preloading, jet grouting columns etc.), retaining structure (reinforced concrete wall, gabion retaining structure, mechanically stabilized earth wall etc.) and the position and depth of construction. In other words, in the planning of exploration works it is necessary to predict the future design solution which requires experience in exploration as well as in designing. Therefore it is important that a geotechnical designer is included in determining a program of geotechnical explorations.
