A construction site may look ready for development, but there is usually much more to learn about the ground before design and construction move forward. A geotechnical site investigation, sometimes referred to as a soil investigation, is one way engineers gather that information systematically.
The process typically begins with assessing the project’s location to determine the most appropriate method for Soil Investigation. One commonly used field method is the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), which checks how hard or soft the soil is and helps determine if it can support a building’s foundation. Other field methods provided by AGES include the Swedish Weight Sounding Test (SWST) and the Dynamic Cone Penetrating Test (DCPT), among others.
The soil sample gathered from fieldwork undergoes laboratory testing and is later analyzed. The results are then drafted into a geotechnical report. This gives the project team a documented basis for understanding the site and considering appropriate engineering solutions.
A geotechnical investigation is therefore more than simply drilling holes and collecting samples. It is a structured process of gathering site-specific information that can help reduce uncertainty before construction begins.
For projects in the Philippines, working with a testing provider experienced in different investigation methods can help ensure that the investigation program is suited to the site’s requirements. AGES provides geotechnical investigation analysis services for a range of construction and infrastructure projects.
