The assessment and evaluation of geotechnical resources in urban or regional environments

Abstract

The pace of development in the world is increasing at such a rate that knowledge of the geotechnical properties of the soils and rocks that make up the natural terrain is required rapidly over vast areas. In many countries there is a profound lack of this knowledge. A method for terrain classification based upon geology, geomorphology, pedology and botany is proposed as a basis for listing of the required geotechnical properties. The system for terrain classification proposed is hierarchical in nature with each member of each class composed of a limited constant repetitive association of members of the preceding class. A system for numerical nomenclature of the terrain classes is proposed so that information collected will be compatible with processing in a computer medium. Terrain classification is achieved by a process of aerial photograph interpretation and field work. Using this system, assessment and evaluation (assessment is qualitative, evaluation is quantitative) of geotechnical resources can be conducted in three stages for; (1) feasibility studies, (2) planning and (3) construction - with information gathered for each stage at the appropriate level in the terrain classification. Engineers and planners have varying requirements, so information to be collected for each stage of each project must be specified beforehand as a set of information. Using an appropriate data-processing medium, sets of information can be stored for retrieval at any time; likewise items can be retrieved from sets of information as required. For logical storage and retrieval, information gathered should be codified. The most satisfactory method for information processing is through a computer, but the system can be adapted for office files or field notebooks.