Site Characterization and Investigation

To predict how an excavation or structure will behave, an understanding of the site ground properties is required. Itasca engineers work with clients to determine any data gaps and sufficiency of the existing geotechnical and hydrogeological information for design, and where and how much additional data may be necessary to collect. Itasca engineers can interpret and model earth and engineered-material behavior for any given range of anisotropies, scales, properties, and conditions, which gives Itasca a clear understanding of the client site. Itasca engineers collaborate across offices or work with third parties, using best-practices, to perform or facilitate a wide range of laboratory and in-situ geomechanical, hydrogeological, and microseismic testing. Site characterization is performed in compliance with the relevant ISRM (International Society for Rock Mechanics) suggested methods and/or ASTM Standards.

Site characterization for soils may include:

  • review existing geotechnical logs and reports from consultants,
  • assessment of soil stratigraphy,
  • identification of soil types,
  • review of CPTu properties,
  • estimation of water table and consolidation parameters,
  • liquefaction potential, and
  • estimation of parameters for empirical assessment and calibrated numerical modeling for engineering design.

Site characterization for the rock mass may include:

  • review existing geotechnical logs and reports from consultants,
  • lineament analysis,
  • precise structural mapping,
  • drill core logging, core photos, and televiewer analysis,
  • point load testing,
  • photogrammetry and stereophotos,
  • hydrogeological studies,
  • intact strength distributions based on available laboratory tests,
  • in-situ stress measurements, and
  • seismic studies.
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Upcoming Events
29 Oct
Getting Started with 3DEC
Objectives of the training: Understand the 3DEC numerical approach and the types of problems it can solveKnow how to manipulate the 3DE... Read More
5 Nov
Python in Itasca Software
This course provides an overview of the Python programming language in Itasca software.The course covers major applications of Python t... Read More
19 Nov
Getting Started with FLAC2D/FLAC3D
This training is an introduction to continuous modeling with FLAC2D and FLAC3D. At the end of the course, participants will master the ... Read More