ABSTRACT
A ground investigation is a critical part of the design and construction process because it addresses the inherent risk associated with the ground. The hazards include the spatial variation in the design parameters of strength, stiffness and permeability of the soils; and the groundwater conditions. The principles of a ground investigation are set out in various codes; for example, BS 5930:1999; BS EN 1997-2:2007; and publications such as Clayton et al. (1995) and SISG (1993). The primary objectives of a ground investigation are to assess whether a site is suitable, to identify hazards, to produce design parameters, to plan the construction process and to assess the impact of the construction on the ground, adjacent structures and the environment. Glacial soils are also a valuable source of construction materials: deposits of sands and gravels, clays for bricks, clay for landfill liners and suitable materials for embankments. This is especially important when considering linear infrastructure projects where cut and fill techniques and excavations are routine.
