BQS402

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 1

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 SITE INVESTIGATION

Terminology :
site exploration, site analysis, site evaluation.

Definition
“examination of the site to investigate the
effects of its features to the design and
construction of the building”

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PURPOSE OF SITE INVESTIGATION
All potential building sites for development need
to be investigated with the purpose to :
i. determine the site’s suitability for the
proposed development
ii. determine the nature and the extent of
preliminary work that will be needed
iii. identify and hence reduce the risks
associated with the development

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 WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?

◼ It will shows the detailed to many

physical aspect such as subsoil composition,
demolition and the legal aspect such as
planning permission, right of access and
preservation order
◼ Identify current situation and condition of
particular site
◼ Identify problems that may occur

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 OBJECTIVES
1. To assess the general suitability of the site
with the proposed works

❑ The construction of certain major projects, such as

dams, depend on the availability of a suitable site.
❑ Since the safety of lives and property are at risk, it is
important to consider the geotechnical merits or
demerits of various sites before the site is chosen for
a project of such magnitude

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 OBJECTIVES
2. To help produce a design which is adequate and
economic
❑ To built suitable and economical design including
the temporary work and soil improvement
methods.
❑ Foundation and earthworks design. Generally,
factors such as the availability of land at the right
price, in a good location from the point of view of
the eventual user, and with the Planning and
Procurement planning consent for its proposed
use are important.

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 OBJECTIVES
3. To help overcome possible difficulties & delays that
may arise during construction period due to ground
and other local conditions

❑ The observation and recording of the

conditions (leading to failure of soils
or structures) are of primary
importance to plan the most suitable
method of construction and also
identify any problems or difficulties
that may occur.

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 OBJECTIVES
4. To predict possible changes that may
occur/cause of all changes in site condition
❑ To determine the changes that may arise in the ground and
environments condition either naturally or as a results of the works
❑ and the effect of such changes on the works on adjacent work and on
the environment in general
❑ The construction of an excavation may cause structural distress to
neighboring structures such as loss of ground, and lowering of the
groundwater table. This will result in prompt legal action.
❑ the construction of a major earth dam and lake may not only destroy
agricultural land, but may introduce new diseases into large
populations.
❑ These effects must be the subject of investigation

5. To maximize potential of the site

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 A thorough site investigation is an essential first
step that will assist development, design and
construction decisions.
The investigation helps:
1. the client to assess whether the project is
viable
2. the client, designer, structural engineer and
contractor to locate the best position for the
building

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3. the engineers to design the most suitable
foundation system

4. the mechanical and electrical consultants to

design the service provision

5. the designers and contractor to ensure that

safe construction methods are used

6. the environmental consultants to identify the

most suitable way of dealing with any
contaminants and problem materials
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 Information required from a site
investigation:
a. Information affecting the design of the
structure: shear strength and compressibility
of the soil
b. Information affecting the construction of the
works: the extent and properties of material to
be excavated, or to be used for fill or for road
bases or concrete aggregates

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 Information required from a site
investigation:
c. Information on ground water conditions: the
level and seasonal variation of the water table,
the pressures in the soil water, and the
permeability of the soil.

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 Planning an investigation:
• In the earlier stages of an investigation,
the information available is often
inadequate to allow a detailed plan to be
made.
• The investigation must therefore proceed
in 3 stages:
1. Desk study
2. Site reconnaissance
3. Detail Examination of Tests and
Programs
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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
1. Site Location
➢ Nearest town and city
➢ Schools, emergency services, entertainment,
recreation, shops, transport and employment
➢ Distance from head office (client & builders) &
traveling time
➢ Distance from nearest railway station to the site

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
2. Accessibility
➢ Approach and site access roads, width, gradient,
bends, sharp corners, condition and
construction relative to transport heavy plant
and equipment
➢ Bridges, strength, width and clearance height
➢ Temporary roads, rolled metal tracts or consider
preparing sub base for new roads as temporary
access

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
3. Availability of space
➢ Site offices, canteen, stores and compound

➢ Material storage areas and handling

➢ Construction area and assembly areas

➢ Plant location

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
4. Services
➢ Water, drainage, electricity, gas & telephone

➢ Location will be determined from maps by

consultation with the appropriate local
authorities
➢ An estimate of buildings usage is also for
ascertaining the demand on sewers and drains

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
5. Ground composition
Boreholes are required to determine :
➢ Changes in strata

➢ Strength of subsoil

➢ Toxicity of subsoil

➢ Stability of excavation

➢ Water table (depth below surfaces)

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
6. Site clearance and demolition
A plan of the site should indicate trees, shrubs
and existing buildings and a site survey will
reveal the extent of necessary leveling
Demolition and excavation

➢ Method and cost

➢ Effect of trees and structural prevention orders

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 INFORMATION/ISSUES TO
CHECK
➢ Reuse of materials
➢ Protection of adjacent building
➢ Special insurance requirement
➢ Compensation payment and liability for damage
➢ Distance to spoil tips and charge

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 IN GENERAL…
• Dealt with local planning authority to ascertain
whether there are special/significant restrictions
which could adversely affect the development of
site building line position
• Survey should include details of neighboring
development, future development and the
position with regard to facilities in the area
• Should enquire the existence of any restrictive
covenants such as right of way, light & drainage
which may restrict the development

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END

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