What is a geotechnical field testing plan and how can you prepare it for a new project?

1 Scope and purpose

The first step in preparing a geotechnical field testing plan is to define the scope and purpose of the geotechnical investigation. This means identifying the project location, site boundaries, geologic setting, potential hazards, design criteria, and engineering objectives. The scope and purpose should be aligned with the project goals, budget, and schedule, and should provide a clear rationale for the selection and execution of the field tests.

2 Field test types

The next step is to choose the appropriate field test types for the geotechnical investigation. There are many types of field tests that can be performed to measure the soil characteristics, such as density, moisture content, strength, stiffness, permeability, consolidation, and shear resistance. Some of the common field test types are standard penetration test (SPT), cone penetration test (CPT), vane shear test (VST), pressuremeter test (PMT), dilatometer test (DMT), and borehole shear test (BST). The field test types should be selected based on the soil conditions, the engineering parameters required, the accuracy and reliability of the results, and the availability and cost of the equipment.

4 Field test methods

The fourth step is to specify the field test methods for the geotechnical investigation. The field test methods should follow the relevant standards, guidelines, and best practices for the chosen field test types. The field test methods should include the details of the equipment, procedures, measurements, calculations, quality control, and safety precautions for each field test. The field test methods should also describe how the soil samples will be collected, preserved, transported, and stored for further laboratory testing.

5 Field test objectives

The fifth step is to state the field test objectives for the geotechnical investigation. The field test objectives should explain what information and data will be obtained from the field tests, and how they will be used to evaluate the soil conditions and properties, and to design the geotechnical elements of the project. The field test objectives should also identify the assumptions, limitations, and uncertainties of the field tests, and how they will be addressed or mitigated in the analysis and interpretation of the results.

6 Field test report

The final step is to prepare the field test report for the geotechnical investigation. The field test report should document the scope and purpose, the field test types, the field test locations, the field test methods, and the field test objectives of the geotechnical field testing plan. The field test report should also present and discuss the field test results, the soil profiles, the engineering parameters, and the design recommendations for the project. The field test report should be clear, concise, and consistent, and should include the relevant figures, tables, charts, graphs, and appendices.