Geological Investigation

958 Words2 Pages

Geological investigation is the first step towards the completion of a building and is considered as the most important step as it identifies the feasibility of an area for construction and determines how the foundations and preventive measurements to be set up for the building. According to Sadhi (2012), one-third of the construction projects are delayed and half of over-tender cost on road projects are due to inadequate geological investigation or poor interpretation of the data. According to Ferrer Geological Consulting (n.d.), geological investigation is mandatory to ensure an adequate design of maximum safety concern and optimum economy benefit to be made and saving on the geological investigation budget is proven to be false economies. As illustrated in Figure 1, the process of geological investigation involve conducting a desk study and reconnaissance of the proposed site, conducting a preliminary geological investigation, preparing a detailed geological investigation plan, carrying out a detailed geological investigation and preparing a soil exploration report.
Desk study and reconnaissance of site are conducted as the first step of geological investigation. Generally, all available maps and documents pertaining to a site have to be reviewed (Kehew, 1995). Subsequently, Jackson (1968) indicated that with all the information on the type of project to be executed, key geological and environment hazards at optional sites and possible site visits are identified. Using information from topographical and geological maps, aerial and terrestrial photographs and any previous nearby investigation reports, accessibility of the site and the nature of drainage into and from it is identified, indication about the subsoil stratification ...

... middle of paper ...

...14(3), 62-64.
Pye, K. (2007). Geological and soil evidence: Forensic applications. London, UK: Taylor & Francis Group.
Raj, J. K. (1994). Geological investigation practice in Malaysia. Geological Society Malaysia Bulletin, 35(4), 38-42.
Robinson, A. H., Morrison, J. L., Muehrcke, P. C., Kimerling, A. J. & Guptill, S. C. (1995). Elements of cartography. New York, US: John Wiley.
Sadhi, F. (2012). Peat aquifer resources. Master Plan for Rural Water Supply, 3(2), 222-231.
Selby, M. J. (1993). Hillslope materials and processes. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Stump, E. (1991). Geological investigations in Northern Victoria land. Victoria, Australia: American Geophysical Union.
Tergazhi, K. & Peck, R. B. (1967). Soil mechanics in engineering practice (2nd ed.). New York, US: John Wiley.
West, T. R. 1995. Geology Applied to Engineering, New Jersey, US: Prentice Hall.

Open Document