Techniques for Site Investigation Using Trial Pits

摘要

Abstract Current site investigation is predominantly based on routine sampling in exploratory boreholes, with transport and testing of samples at a distant laboratory. A number of specialised in situ techniques and tests have grown around the initial premise of using boreholes. The paper describes the development of parallel alternative techniques using test pits for trials and tests which the writers' have used in practice. The British Standard, BS 5930, briefly describes test pits but in general is related to current practice using boreholes. It is hoped that the paper will supplement the present Standard in this area. The in situ test techniques described are for dynamic and static penetration tests. The miniaturised trials model foundation pressure, compressibility, permeability and compaction. Relatively new techniques for pit plate bearing tests and penetrometers mounted on an excavator bucket, which utilise the excavator as a site robot, are presented.