How do you monitor soil for civil engineering projects?

1 Soil properties

Soil properties are the physical and chemical characteristics of soil that influence its behavior and suitability for engineering purposes. Some of the common soil properties that civil engineers measure and monitor are moisture content, density, porosity, permeability, shear strength, compressibility, and consolidation. These properties can be determined by laboratory tests on soil samples or by field tests using in-situ devices. Soil properties can vary depending on the soil type, location, depth, and history.

2 Soil sampling

Soil sampling is the process of collecting representative samples of soil from different locations and depths for testing and analysis. Soil sampling can be done manually or mechanically, depending on the site conditions and the required sample quality and quantity. Manual sampling methods include hand augers, shovels, and tubes, while mechanical sampling methods include power augers, drills, and corers. Soil sampling can provide valuable information about the soil profile, stratigraphy, and heterogeneity.

3 Soil testing

Soil testing is the process of applying various methods and techniques to measure and evaluate the soil properties and parameters. Soil testing can be performed in the laboratory or in the field, depending on the objectives and scope of the project. Laboratory testing methods include sieving, hydrometer, Atterberg limits, compaction, permeability, consolidation, and triaxial tests, among others. Field testing methods include standard penetration test (SPT), cone penetration test (CPT), vane shear test (VST), pressuremeter test (PMT), and dilatometer test (DMT), among others. Soil testing can provide reliable and accurate data for soil classification, characterization, and design.

4 Soil instrumentation

Soil instrumentation is the process of installing and operating sensors, transducers, and data loggers to monitor the soil behavior and response under various loading and environmental conditions. Soil instrumentation can be used to measure and record parameters such as soil pressure, deformation, displacement, temperature, moisture, and pore water pressure. Soil instrumentation can provide real-time and continuous data for soil performance evaluation, quality control, and safety assessment.

5 Soil mapping

Soil mapping is the process of creating and updating spatial representations of the soil distribution, characteristics, and variability across a given area or region. Soil mapping can be done by using conventional methods such as field surveys, aerial photographs, and topographic maps, or by using modern methods such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Soil mapping can provide useful information for land use planning, resource management, and environmental protection.

6 Soil modeling

Soil modeling is the process of developing and applying mathematical and numerical models to simulate and predict the soil behavior and interaction with other elements such as structures, water, and vegetation. Soil modeling can be done by using analytical methods such as equations, charts, and tables, or by using computational methods such as finite element, finite difference, and discrete element methods. Soil modeling can provide valuable insights for soil engineering design, optimization, and verification.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?