Codes of Practice for Geotechnical Engineering: Site Investigations SI Review Paper
This paper presents a review of some national and regional codes of practice in the area of Geotechnical engineering site investigation (SI) The goal is to identify some significant issues relevant to professional practice in Sudan and to highlight how they were approached and dealt with in different codes. The scope of the SI comprises the number of points to be investigated. these may be test pits, boreholes, field soundings, geophysical soundings. The extent of the SI is generally described by the depth of boreholes and /or types of field soundings. The scope and extent of SI are strongly related to the types of structures and loadings as well as to the geotechnical character of the site. The final result of the SI is presented in a geotechnical report, including field work, laboratory work and recommendations for design and construction. The report must be prepared by an experienced Geotechnical Engineer. The fact that SI is usually carried out in the very early stages of the project, when even the project funding may not have been fully secured, tends to create a situation where costs available for SI may be restricted. It is widely believed that SI is a very significant component of any civil engineering project. While the cost of the SI is a minor component, it is of major importance to project risk management and will positively affect total costs. Journal of BRR VOL 16 Aug 2014 59 It is recommended that a Sudanese Code of Practice for Geotechnical Engineering be adopted to regulate and upgrade the professional practice in this area. This activity should be carried out under the auspices of the national Standards organization. The Sudanese Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering can be instrumental in these activities.