Geological engineering surveys are one of the types of engineering surveys. They are necessary when drafting projects for construction, as well as for the reconstruction of engineering structures. The issuance of project documents without first performing engineering surveys is unacceptable. Geological engineering studies are carried out in order to collect geological data on the site where construction activities are planned to be carried out. The subject of research is the structure of the upper rock layers, their composition and properties, and water saturation. Designers need data on the geology of a land plot. They are used when calculating ground bases and foundations of structures, planning the necessary measures for the engineering protection of facilities, and assessing the impact on the environment. In addition, without geological materials, it is impossible to ensure the rational use of the geological environment during construction work. The range of geological and hydrogeological works carried out during geological engineering surveys can vary widely, depending on the characteristics of the design object, as well as the study of the geology of the region.

Objectives of geotechnical studies

The goals considered in detail during surveys on the area (along the route) of future construction can be described as follows:

• establishing the structure of the terrain and its features;
• determining the geological structure of soil layers affected by engineering activities;
• study of the hydrogeological characteristics of the site — aquifer content, groundwater level, its dynamics, water quality;
• study of the mineral composition of soils and their mechanical properties;
• establishing ongoing processes;
• calculation of forecast changes in the geological environment.

The works that make up the complex of engineering and geological surveys

The full set of methods that can be used in engineering geology is as follows:

• selection and development of technical research materials conducted in earlier periods;
• study of aviation and space photography materials;
• visual inspection of the survey site;
• geophysical sounding and profiling;
• drilling and core sampling;
• field testing of soils under natural conditions;
• hydrogeological pilot filtration operations and regime observations;
• examination of soil and groundwater samples in a laboratory;
• seismological studies;
• examination of foundation soil bases;
• calculated processing of the collected factual material;
• assessment of the degree of danger from undesirable man-made geological processes;
• predictive modeling of geological conditions and their changes as a result of engineering activities.

Of course, not all these types of work are mandatory. The geological survey program should be drawn up taking into account the specifics of the project (its responsibility, scale), the study of the region, and the availability of engineering and geological features.

The cycle of work ends with the writing of the final conclusion on the data of geological engineering surveys — a technical report. The report usually consists of text and graphic materials.

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