Geotechnical engineering: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:04, 6 April 2023

Revision as of 14:06, 7 April 2023

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A variety of [[Geotechnical investigation#Soil sampling|soil samplers]] exists to meet the needs of different engineering projects. The [[standard penetration test]] (SPT), which uses a thick-walled split spoon sampler, is the most common way to collect disturbed samples. Piston samplers, employing a thin-walled tube, are most commonly used for the collection of less disturbed samples. More advanced methods, such as the Sherbrooke block sampler, are superior, but even more expensive. Coring frozen ground provides high-quality undisturbed samples from any ground conditions, such as fill, sand, [[moraine]] and rock fracture zones.<ref name="Coring frozen ground">{{cite web | url=https://www.geofrost.no/en/ground-investigations/#Undisturbed%20samples | title=Geofrost Coring | publisher=GEOFROST | access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref>

[[Atterberg limits]] tests, [[water content]] measurements, and [[Grain (unit)|grain]] size analysis, for example, may be performed on disturbed samples obtained from thick-walled [[Geotechnical investigation#Soil sampling|soil samplers]]. Properties such as shear strength, stiffness, [[hydraulic conductivity]], and coefficient of [[Consolidation (soil)|consolidation]] may be significantly altered by sample disturbance. To measure these properties in the laboratory, high-quality sampling is required. Common tests to measure strength and stiffness include the [[Triaxial shear tests|triaxial shear]] and unconfined compression test. These can all be done through a third party testing company such as [https://www.intertek.com/building/geotechnical-engineering/ Intertek].

Surface [[exploration]] can include [[geologic map]]ping, [[Exploration geophysics|geophysical methods]], and [[photogrammetry]]; or it can be as simple as an engineer walking around to observe the physical conditions at the site. Geologic mapping and interpretation of [[geomorphology]] are typically completed in consultation with a [[geologist]] or [[engineering geologist]].