Geotechnical Investigations in the UK and Saudi Arabia - Coursework Example

Soil has an important rank among the materials for engineers because of its diversity of forms and their physical, chemical, mechanical properties and also because it is the part that moves the origin loads. Problems associated with soil properties call for a thorough study of soil, in order to avoid problems resulting from unknown soil characteristics. Major construction issues such as cracks in the concrete elements, and other flaws, of which can be avoided through the prior study of soil characteristics on the construction site. It has been found that much more amount of investment is done to solve problems caused by soil after construction than actual construction cost. So by proper geotechnical investigation, many problems caused during construction can be solved.

Many parts of Saudi Arabia have problematic soils and very complex soil conditions not suitable for construction. Some of the problems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are, expansive soils, sabkha deposits, shrinking and losing Aeolian deposits, shifting of sand, collapsible soils, etc. Other region-specific problems such as an igneous rock in the western mountain region, sedimentary rock formations in the central and northern region, and coral limestone formation in coastal regions are major issues for structures. In recent years many detailed investigations of soil were conducted all over Saudi Arabia but still, all the geotechnical data is scattered and is not easily accessible. In-country such as the United Kingdom all the data from all the investigation is well maintained and constitutes major feedback into engineering practice. This research will investigate standards followed for geotechnical investigation in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Various geotechnical problems in Saudi Arabia will be reviewed and solutions for such problems will be found by referring to similar practices in the UK. (Refeai, 1994)

1.3 Research Objectives

• Investigate the difference between the code followed for geotechnical investigation in Saudi Arabia and the UK
• Consider and review appropriate case studies
• Recommend changes in the codes if required to improve geotechnical investigation in Saudi Arabia by taking reference of UK.
  
  CHAPTER 2
  Literature Review
  2.1 Geotechnical Investigation
  Evaluation of soil, groundwater, rock geologic, and seismologic conditions that significantly affect the design and construction of structures is done by a geotechnical investigation. While designing structures geotechnical investigation is done to consider various aspects such as earthwork and excavation, groundwater control, design of paving and flatwork, slopes, and other soil work related to the project. The geotechnical investigation examines the hazards that may potentially affect the project related to geologic and seismologic conditions in earthquake-prone areas.

2.1.1 Objective of Investigation

The investigation may be required to be done for the followings:-

• Investigation for new works
• Investigation of failures
• Reports on existing works
• Investigation of material availability

The main objective is to determine the following to the required accuracy:

(a) The subsoil profile- As the boring progress, soil obtained from different depths is inspected.

The following vital information is given by the subsoil profile:

(i)  Important soil layers, their thickness, and inclinations are identified.

(ii) Bed rocker bearing layer’s location.