ASSIGNMENT 1 –GEOT2007 FOUNDATION ENGINEERING

GEOTECHNICAL FIELD TEST

The engineer should also take into account the ultimate cost of the structure when making
decisions regarding the extent of field exploration. The exploration cost generally should be 0.1
to 0.5% of the cost of the structure.

The collection and testing of soil is often carried out to determine the true value of the
engineering properties of soils in order to facilitate the design of foundations.

Let us assume at some depth below a proposed foundation, an undisturbed soil sample is
obtained using a sampler tube. However, once the sample is taken both the confined pressure
and the overburden pressure is lost. The sample is therefore taken back to the lab and and an
attempt is made to simulate these pressures. This process can result in lost of the true
engineering properties of the soil. Consequently, this often justifies the need to conduct field
tests. Listed below are a number of field test and boring methods conducted on soils.

GL
Overburden Pressure

Confined Pressure Confined Pressure

SOIL SAMPLE
You are employed by a company and non of the members of the board are engineers. One of
the board members obtained the following list of field test and boring methods. The board
request YOU to prepare a powerpoint presentation to be presented to them so that they can
make an informed decision on which field test and boring method to approve.

Your assignment is to prepare a Powerpoint presentation which explains in point form the
following:

What are the advantages of each test/boring method?

What are the disadvantages of each test/boring method?
What engineering parameters will be obtained from each test and its usefulness?
What are the limitations of each test/boring method?
How the test is conducted?

NOTE: Your presentation should be supported by images and summarised points.

Consequently, you are required to research and understand each test before attempting this
assignment.

This assignment accounts for 10% of your final mark.

Deadline for submission is: 31st Jan 2018.

All images used must be cited

A list of references is required on the last slide of the presentation

LIST OF FIELD TEST

RELATIVE DENSITY TEST
A. STANDARD PENETRATION TEST
B. DYNAMIC CONE TEST

SHEAR STRENGTH TEST

A. VANE TEST
B. DIRECT SHEAR TEST
C. STATIC CONE TEST

BEARING CAPACITY AND SETTLEMENT TEST

A. PLATE LOAD TEST

PERMEABILITY TEST
A. BORE HOLES
 B. PIEZOMETER TEST

TESTING OF PILES
A. PILE LOAD TEST

COMPACTION CONTROL TEST

A. MOISTURE DENSITY
B. CBR TEST

IN-SITU STRENGTH AND DEFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS TEST

A. PRESSURE METER TEST
B. DILATOMETER TEST
DYNAMIC TEST
A. SEISIMIC DOWN HOLE TEST
B. SEISIMIC CROSS HOLE TEST

MACHINE FOUNDATION TEST

A. BLOCK VIBRATION TEST

BORING METHODS
TRIAL PITS
WASH BORING
AUGER BORING
ROTARY BORING

Dr Sutherland
Jan 2018