Purpose

A geotechnical survey is essential when building on the land. Unfortunately, in many cases, the unknowns lie beneath the surface.

A geotechnical survey is the very first step in the construction or consolidation of our site. This is because it includes information about soil consistency and structure as well as groundwater levels and recommendations for the technical project. After all our most common concerns are those associated with unstable soil, which can cause settlement or other foundation damage over time.

In short:

The survey process involves drilling several boreholes on the property from which samples are collected and then taken to the lab for analysis. Based on the lab results and field observations, a report is created which helps us to understand what lies beneath the surface of the land where we want to build the antennas.

In our case we need two boreholes that go 5m deep

More detail:

Our geotechnical survey consists of gathering information about the physical characteristics of the soils and rocks that make up the land. The surveys are completed by geotechnical engineers and geologists for the purpose of designing earthworks and foundations for structures..in our case antennas.

A full geotechnical examination includes surface and subsurface exploration, soil and groundwater sampling, and laboratory analysis. This type of due diligence helps to see how the soil will respond to proposed changes. It is also often required to obtain a building permit for a construction project.

To start a geotechnical survey for construction, the following information must be provided at a minimum:

• Geographical location where the building will be located
• Foot print of the land area on which the antennas will be located
• Land slope
• Proximity to water (lake, stream, river)

All this information is more or less summarised in the HLD (High Level Design), the drawings that your team completed yesterday

Geotechnical surveys can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to complete. There are a variety of factors that may impact that timeline. A straightforward project as ours only requires two boreholes and/or test pits before you have a report back. It should not take too long.

Ultimately, geotechnical surveys depend on a variety of factors, and the geotechnical engineer who is conducting the report is responsible for determining the necessary scope and elements of a geotechnical report.

Geotechnical examinations and investigations include the following major categories:

• Surface and subsurface exploration
• Soil and water sampling
• Soil and water testing
• Laboratory analysis.

Depending on local requirements, codes, and the plan developed by the geotechnical engineer, structural designer, or architect, any of the following could take place:

• Geotechnical surface reconnaissance:
   – Identification of the type of soil
  – The strength and density of the soil
  – Any organic material or contamination present
  – Groundwater and soil compaction
  – Preliminary assessment
• Geological hazard study
• Landslide hazard study
• Critical area study
• Geotechnical evaluation
• Geophysical methods for subsurface measurements (such as Ground-penetrating radar, Electromagnetics, or Seismic measurements)
• Geologic mapping
• Laboratory tests
• Foundation design recommendations
• Seismic design factors
• Solutions for any foreseeable problems

The selected geotechnical engineer will decide which of these steps are necessary in our specific case.

After your geotechnical engineer has gathered all the necessary information, a report will document the work conducted and the data produced.

Here is how the report should break down:

• Background information: In this part of the report, the surveyor will express the need and purpose of the investigation. The report should also describe the general conditions at the site, geology, drainage, ground cover, and any irregularities that designers may need to keep in mind in future construction.
• Work scope: In this section, the surveyor will provide guidance on site investigation methods, locations, and frequency of tests performed. This may include the depth and location of borings, the number of samples taken, dates of samples and tests, contractor information, and details of any derivations from standard testing procedures.
• Data presentation: This will include a detailed log of exploration sites, summaries of data, and subsequent graphs and charts. If there have been any previous investigations done on the site, then this section will also offer test data.
• Conclusions and recommendations: In this section, the engineering recommendations are made, which narrows broad data and observation into relevant and critical design guidance that can be used during construction projects.