What is Geotechnical Investigation

Geotechnical investigations are carried out by geotechnical engineers or engineering geologists to obtain information about the physical properties of the soil and rocks surrounding a site in order to design foundations for earthworks and proposed structures and To repair damage to structures caused by earthworks and ground conditions. A geotechnical investigation will include surface exploration and subsurface exploration of a site.

Sometimes, geophysical methods are used to obtain data about sites. Subsurface exploration usually involves soil sampling and laboratory testing of the soil samples obtained.Surface exploration can include geologic mapping, geophysical methods and photogrammetry, or it can be as simple as a geotechnical professional walking around on the site to observe the physical conditions at the site. To obtain information about the soil conditions below the surface, some form of subsurface exploration is required. Methods of observing the soils below the surface, obtaining samples and determining physical properties of the soils and rocks include test pits, trenching (particularly for locating faults and slide planes), boring and in-situ tests.