Use of Soil Survey Reports in Geotechnical Projects

Abstract

Practicing geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists generally consult published geologic maps and reports, topographic maps, and air photos including remote sensing data, for developing initial project design and preliminary investigation plans. However, a valuable source of information, very useful in the preliminary stage of geotechnical projects, is available in county soil survey reports. These reports are frequently overlooked by the geotechnical professionals due to the misconception that these reports, published by the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contain information on agricultural aspects of soils, such as soil fertility, production of various crops, agriculture related land uses, etc. While agricultural use of soils is the primary focus, these reports also contain information on the physical, chemical, and hydrological and engineering properties of soils. The nature and contents of county soil survey reports, the types of engineering and related data available are discussed in this paper. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the usefulness of such information in geotechnical projects. A recommendation is made for wider use of these reports by geotechnical professionals.