Site Investigstion

Question 1

What are the reasons to conduct a site investigation?

Answer 1

To determine the site suitability for construction

To quantify the amount of preliminary work required

Question 2

What factors should be considered in building siting?

Answer 2

Climate (materials, design)

Aspect / orientation (sun)

Elevation (wind, flooding)

Services (water, gas, electricity)

Subsoil (foundation construction, materials)

Question 3

What are 3 main considerations with subsoil?

Answer 3

Soil type

Contamination

Water table

Question 4

What is an essential tool to indicate soil types?

Answer 4

Geological maps

Question 5

What factors should be researched regarding soil on a potential site?

Answer 5

History

Ground water level

Topography

Vegetation

Type of ground

Question 6

What can be used to conduct a physical assessment of the ground type and quality.

Answer 6

Trial pits and boreholes

Question 7

What may be close to the site that might need to be considered?

Answer 7

Trees

Buildings

Rivers

Question 8

What can the soil type influence?

Answer 8

Load bearing capacity

Type of foundation used

Stability

Question 9

What is the difference between a disturbed and undisturbed soil sample?

Answer 9

A disturbed soil sample allows soil to be taken at various depths while excavating the pit.

An undisturbed soil sample allows lab analysis in its natural form

Question 10

What types of tests can be used to determine soil strength?

Answer 10

Compression test (soil sample)

Rational test (torque)

Penetration test (weighted sampler in borehole)