Geological Site Investigations

Abstract

This course introduces students to geotechnical, geophysical, surveying and (remote) sensing methods used in characterizing, developing and monitoring engineering project sites. Strategies, measurements, tools and analyses are described that are relevant to determining the geologic conditions at a site as well as deformations that occur under natural or construction conditions.

Objective

This course aims at introducing the general procedures taken during an engineering geological site investigation. Students who complete the course should be able to design a site investigation program of measurements based on information from an initial desk studies, and to analyze, integrate and interpret data from the measurement program.

Content

The methods that are routinely employed in site investigations will be described focusing on their applicability in different geologic environments. The limitations of the methodologies in constraining the parameters of interest will be addressed together with problems of interpretation and cost-versus-information value. Specific topics addressed include drilling, coring, sampling, borehole testing, geophysical methods used in engineering geology, satellite, air- and ground-based surface and displacement monitoring (photogrammetry, LIDAR, Radar), and in-situ deformation measurement methods.

Resources