What is a Site Investigation?

What is Site Investigation/ What are Site Investigations? – Site investigations are used to assess the ground conditions and sub surface structure of a development site or property. The site investigation will collect geotechnical & environmental data and information to determine if the specific site is suitable for the planned development proposal.

The scope of the investigations and techniques used will depend on a range of factors including:

• The prior use of the site
• Anticipated geology and subsurface structures
• The proposed development design and function
• Known history of the site and the surroundings
• If the site is in a coal mining area
• If the site is in a flood zone

The Site Investigation is an essential step in understanding your development site and ground conditions. The intrusive investigations may assess a wide range of ground conditions including:

• The geology and hydrogeology of the site
• Are the different strata fairly homogeneous over the site or do local variations exist
• The groundwater conditions at the site, Will any part of the site be subject to flooding?
• The physical properties of soil and rock underlying the site with testing of the soil both in the laboratory and in-situ.
• The mechanical properties such as strength of different soil or rock strata
• Land Contamination
• Ground gases – radon, methane

Site investigations are essential studies conducted before starting construction or development projects to assess the physical, environmental, and geological conditions of a specific location. The primary goal is to gather information about the soil, rock, groundwater, and environmental characteristics to ensure that the design and construction of buildings, roads, bridges, or other structures are safe, feasible, and suitable for the intended use. The findings from site investigations influence project planning, design, and risk management.

Key Objectives of Site Investigations:

1. Assess Ground Conditions: Understand the types of soil and rock layers, their properties, and stability.
2. Identify Geological Hazards: Detect potential risks like landslides, earthquakes, subsidence, or sinkholes.
3. Evaluate Groundwater Conditions: Determine the water table level and the presence of contaminants in groundwater.
4. Support Design and Construction: Provide data for foundation design, drainage systems, and earthworks.
5. Mitigate Environmental Impact: Identify any environmental constraints or sensitive areas that need protection.

Types of Site Investigations:

1. Desk Studies: Initial research using available data, maps, historical records, and aerial photos to gather preliminary information.
2. Field Investigations: On-site activities such as:
   • Geotechnical Surveys: These include drilling boreholes, digging trial pits, and conducting tests to analyze soil and rock samples.
   • Geophysical Surveys: Non-invasive methods (e.g., seismic, electrical, or magnetic tests) to determine subsurface conditions.
   • Groundwater Monitoring: Observing water levels, flow patterns, and quality over time.
3. Laboratory Testing: Tests on collected soil, rock, and water samples to evaluate properties like strength, density, permeability, and composition.
4. Environmental Assessments: Includes checking for contamination, assessing ecosystems, and reviewing impact on surrounding areas.

Importance of Site Investigations:

• Safety: Identifies potential hazards that could affect the stability or safety of structures.
• Cost Efficiency: Prevents costly redesigns, delays, or structural failures during construction.
• Legal Compliance: Ensures compliance with local regulations, environmental guidelines, and construction standards.
• Foundation Design: Provides crucial data for choosing appropriate foundation types based on the load-bearing capacity of the soil or rock.

Overall, site investigations are critical for reducing uncertainties, making informed design decisions, and ensuring the long-term performance of the structure.