1.3 Site exploration plan

Determining the extent and detail of the site investigation is a cost-benefit procedure. As illustrated in Figure 1.3, a properly planned geotechnical investigation, that will provide all the necessary information for rational and safe geotechnical design, will result in optimising project costs, but also prevent additional costs for repairs, or even possible failure of the structure.

The Geotechnical Engineer will often rely on their experience for preparing an appropriate exploration plan. There are however some guidelines, which can be used to estimate the minimum required number of sampling boreholes and their depth (Table 1.2) depending on the type and properties of the structure, when no other regulatory agency or project specific requirements prevail.