Geotechnical Investigation Methods and Site Characterization Presented by: Robert J. Niber, P.E. WDP & Associates, P.C. Manassas, Virginia

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Learning Objectives: Upon completing this program, the participant should know how to: 1.Use Planning and Design information and Pre-Exploration resources to develop feasibility/preliminary, final design and supplemental site characterization programs tailored to project needs or objectives 2.Select appropriate Field Exploration and Investigation Methods for heightened analysis accuracy, reliability and risk management 3.Select appropriate Laboratory Testing to supplement field investigation data and exploration findings 4.Analyze and evaluate field and laboratory data in consideration of planning and design objectives 5.Present report of findings and recommendations

“Hey – dirt is dirt! What could be a problem?”

Development Phases and Planning Considerations –Feasibility and Preliminary Studies –Final Design Studies –Supplemental and/or Additional Studies Planning and Design:

Project Understanding and Identification - Project Type - New Construction - Addition or Renovation - School, Office, Hi-Rise, Industrial, Commercial - Structural Loads - Wall and Column Loads - Slab Loads - Special Loading (Water Tanks, Dynamic Loading) - Grade Changes & Drainage - Cuts and Fills - Slopes or Retaining Walls - Drainage - Special Needs or Conditions

Do Your Homework – Planning a Geotechnical Study - Preliminary Document Review - Site Plan - Building Elevations - Previous Geotechnical Studies - USGS Mapping/Published Geologic Literature - GIS or Satellite/Aerial Data - Initial Site Reconnaissance - Access Limitations/Restrictions - Permits Required - Selective Clearing - Utilities – Overhead and Buried - Prior Geotechnical Experiences - Client or AE - WDP - Other geotechnical firms

Field Exploration Methods - Test Borings - SPT Sampler (N-Values) - Shelby Tubes - Dames & Moore Ring Sampler (rings fit to lab testing devices) - Dry Drilling - Hollow or Solid Flight Augers - Air Rotary - Wet Drilling - Mud Rotary - Rock Coring - Rock Quality Designation (RQD) - Test Pits

Backhoe Test Pits Field Exploration Methods

Track-mounted ATV Drill Rig & SPT Spoon Sampler Field Exploration Methods

Shelby Tube Sampler Field Exploration Methods

Air Rotary Drill Rig Field Exploration Methods

Mud Rotary Drill Rig & Schematic Set Up Field Exploration Methods

Rock Coring Barrels & Bits, Drill Rig & Core Samples Field Exploration Methods

- Geoprobe Sampling - Hand Augers - Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Tests - Static Cone Penetrometer Tests - Dilatometer (DMT) Soundings - Pressuremeter (PMT) Testing - Electric Piezocone Penetration (CPTU) Testing In-Situ Soil Testing Methods - Vane Shear Testing

GeoProbe Track Rig GeoProbe Liner GeoProbe Insertion Field Exploration Methods

Hand-Auger Drilling Field Exploration Methods

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Testing Field Exploration Methods

Static Cone Penetrometer Testing Field Exploration Methods

- Geoprobe Sampling - Hand Augers - Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Tests - Static Cone Penetrometer Tests - Dilatometer (DMT) Soundings - Pressuremeter (PMT) Testing - Electric Piezocone Penetration (CPTU) Testing In-Situ Soil Testing Methods - Vane Shear Testing

Flat-plate Dilatometer, Gauge and Laptop Track Rig Pushing DMT into Ground Field Exploration Methods

Pressuremeter Testing (PMT) Gauge - Soils Field Exploration Methods

Electric Cone Penetration Testing (CPTU) Field Exploration Methods

Field Vane Shear Test Devices Field Exploration Methods

- Geophysical Surveys - Seismic Refraction - Bedrock Profiling - Rippability and Excavation Challenges - Electrical Resistivity or Microgravity - Karst Terrain – Sinkholes and Voids - Aquifers - Ground Penetrating Radar - Buried Obstructions - Mapping of Geologic Features - Cross-Hole Logging Field Exploration Methods

Seismic Refraction Survey Field Exploration Methods

Electrical Resistivity (ER) Survey Field Exploration Methods

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Surveys Field Exploration Methods

Borehole Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Surveys Field Exploration Methods

- USCS Soil Classification - Particle Size Distribution (Gradation) - Atterberg Limits (Plasticity) - Expansion (Shrink-Swell) Potential - Natural Moisture Content - Proctor Test – Standard vs. Modified - CBR Tests – Pavement Design - Direct/Residual Shear Strength - Settlement Potential Laboratory Testing

-Corrosivity Potential -Soil Chemistry -Electrical Conductivity/Resistivity -Organic Content -Topsoil Analysis – Soil Chemistry Laboratory Testing

- Foundation Type – Deep or Shallow - Bearing Pressure - Settlement Control - On-Grade Slabs - Walls – Lateral Earth Pressures - Pavements – Rigid and Flexible - Slope Stability - Drainage and Groundwater Geotechnical Analysis & Evaluation

- Design Recommendations - Design Parameters - Construction Considerations - Warnings -Topsoil -Rock -Clay -Water -Uncontrolled Fill -Unsuitable Soils Design & Construction Recommendations

- Reviewed/Signed & Sealed by PE in project jurisdiction - Specification Development - Bid Document Development - Bid Document Review - Contract Document vs. Information Only Report of Geotechnical Investigation

-Quality Control -Design Preservation -Risk Management - Special Inspections - Soil - Concrete - Masonry - Structural Steel - Precast Concrete - Materials Testing Construction Inspection & Materials Testing

“Hey – dirt is dirt! What could be a problem?” Identify, anticipate, and accommodate the site and subsurface conditions to manage risks that can devour your project, both now and in the future.

The High Cost of Low Bid Site Characterization (C. Mirza) Which In-Situ Test Should I Use – A Designer’s Guide (Failmezger, Bullock) The Standard Penetration Test – More than Just a One Number Test (A. Lutenegger) Site Variability, Risk, and Beta (Failmezger, Bullock, Handy) Technical Papers and Publications

Thank You for Attending! Any Questions? Robert J. Niber, P.E. Senior Geotechnical Engineer WDP & Associates, P.C Gateway Boulevard, Suite 200 Manassas, Virginia (703) x 111 This concludes the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Program.