Ground Conditions And Explanation of Implications For Design And Construction - Essay Example

Number Executive Summary Introduction A ground investigation has been carried out to determine site conditions and how they can influence design, construction as well as the subsequent performance of buildings. The major purpose was to identify and minimize development associated risks in order for clients to identify how viable the project is, determine best building positions, for best suitable foundations to be designed, and achievement of safe constructions by contractors and designers efforts. Another thing was to enable environmental contractors to determine appropriate means of handling contaminants and problematic materials. Desk Study A desk study was done to identify issues that could not be readily recognized through physical investigations as well as successive ground investigation. It integrated available documents with regard to nature as well as history of the site including books; geological maps, aerial photographs, and ordnance survey maps, as well as mining records and prior site investigation records. Investigation aimed at identifying elevated radon levels’ risk. This was due to the lung cancer risk involved with long exposure of the substance. Reduction of the risk calls for all new constructions within the regions with elevated radon levels to incorporate appropriate precautions. Walk-Over Study Site inspection was carried out because of its significance in low rise development ground inspection. The management understood that the approach could provide valued information that no other means could provide. On foot, the entire site was carefully covered, utilizing photographs and maps as well as the information achieved through the desk study. In addition, the survey included surrounding region as well as its building stock. Factors put in mind included that knowledge of the surface features was quite important in planning an economic building layout. Prior demolished buildings’ locations were considered vital since old foundations that could have been buried could have led to extra delay and costs of construction due to excavation or demolition difficulties. Land underlain by limestone contained naturally occurring pipes filled with soft soils. An auger was used or excavation of shallow holes to obtain samples and soil type indication while ground water presence was noted. Location of features such as trees and hedges were marked on the site map while the existence of feature identified earlier were confirmed. Positions and heights for trees, hedges or shrubs within areas of shrinkable clay were noted too. Ponds, springs, and other waters positions were marked on the map of the site. Placing fill in the location has raised ground levels and this is evident due to features shown on the geological maps as well as aerial photographs, which were found to be missing on the ground. Previously filled areas were determined through comparisons between what appeared on the site and aerial photographs and ordnance survey maps. There were signs of mining within the area evidenced by presence of derelict/hummocky land, old mine buildings as well as infilling or spoil heaps. Slope angles were interpreted through material types underlying the site. Landslips on the other hand indicated terraced ground, poorly drained conditions along the hillsides. Geological maps have identified layers that contain minerals. Direct Investigation Direct investigation made it possible to obtain values for limitations defining the soil sufficiency characteristics for designing economical and safe foundations. The investigation was carried out keeping in mind the risks that could arise as a result of inadequate investigation especially with regard to ground behavior. The investigation has made available information in some cost effective means for new works engineering design so that construction costs may be reduced via economic foundation design, structural defects that could arise from unacceptable ground movements are eliminated, health hazards associated with contaminated land can be detected, unforeseen ground conditions claims are avoided, and foundations are prevented from chemical attack. Laboratory Tests Various tests were done including index tests that examined the soil’s natural variability, classification tests that classified soils sampled into categories with broadly comparable ENGINEERING BEHAVIOUR, and parameter test that determined the limitations and values of engineering design as well as calculation. In-situ Tests Various In-situ tests have been carried out in the investigation including the following: Dynamic Probing- it was economical and very fast since it was done on the ground without boreholes requirement. It offered valuable information on o soil conditions variability throughout the site. Cone Penetration Test – it involved pushing a cone through the ground at a rate of 2cm/sec, while its penetration resistance was measured. Friction ratio was utilized in the soil type via which the cone is driving. Standard penetration- this involved hammering a 52mm sampler through the borehole’s bottom. Recordings were made on the number of blows required to drive it 300mm. The field Vane Test was carried out whereby the maximum torque was noted and utilized to interpret the clay’s undrained shear strength. The test helped obtain data on relatively weak as well as compressible clay’s undrained shear strength. Read More