Site and Soil Investigations - The Foundation Selected.

The foundation selected depends on functional requirements of the structure and results of the site investigation. Site investigation is required to complete foundation selection and design and to select the most efficient construction method.

The first phase of the investigation is examination of site conditions that can influence foundation performance and construction methodology. The seond phase is to evaluate characteristics of the soil profile to determine the design and the construction method. These phases are accomplished by the  following:


a. Feasibility study.  A reconnaissance study should be performed to determine the requiriements of a deep foundation designs, and the scope of in situ soil and foundation load tests.  Required cost estimates and schedules to conduct....

b. Site conditions.  Examination of the site includes history, geology, visual inspection of the site and adjacent area, and local design and construction experience.  Maps may provide data on wooded  areas, ponds, streams, depressions, and evidence of earlier  construction that can influence soil moisture and groundwater level....

c. Soil investigation  A detailed study of the subsurface soil should be made as outlined in TM 5-818-1.  The scope of this investigation depends on the nature and complexity of the soil, and size,   functional intent, and cost of the structure.  These parameters are frequently the consolidated-drained friction angle  N for cohesionless soil, undrained shear strength C for cohesive soil, soil elastic modulus E for undrained loading, soil dry unit weight,and the groundwater table elevation....