An approach to estimate influence region of field investigation sampling points, investigation zone in civil infrastructure projects and brief review of existing field investigation process

Abstract

Geotechnical investigation is a cyclic process. The interdependency between different steps involved in whole process, i.e., from planning, performing investigation, transporting samples and analysis of data obtained from field or lab, present opportunities for improvements and further discussion.For estimating number of investigation sampling points required for a particular site and selection of investigation methods, today we mostly relay on information from previously conducted site investigations, local experience from that area or site. In geotechnical investigation getting field samples which represents actual ground conditions for the whole site is well known challenge and has been highlighted in many research papers.In this paper we are presenting concept of influence region of geotechnical investigation points and an approach for estimation of the same. We believe the influence region concept; its estimation approach will provide a mathematical model and will help in deciding number of sampling points at the geotechnical investigation sites. In author’s opinion the presented concept will further improve the quality of geotechnical ground investigation process and will provide help in getting representative, quality field samples for laboratory analysis.The presented concept and estimation approach in this paper is based on author’s field experience and exposure gained from working in Swedish infrastructure projects. We think the influence region concept will further improve the existing geotechnical ground investigation process and will open opportunities for its validation through focused scientific research.A brief overview of the existing ground investigation processes has been covered in the paper, along with examples from geotechnical site investigations from Trafikverket (The Swedish Transport Administration) projects in Sweden.