Geotechnical Field Investigation & Soil Stratification
The process of conducting geotechnical field investigations for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) projects. After initial reconnaissance, field drilling programs are implemented to collect soil and rock samples, which may be supplemented by geophysical surveys if necessary. These samples undergo laboratory testing to analyze and identify the soil types present. Recognizing that subsurface conditions are often not homogeneous, a key task for the geotechnical engineer or geologist is to stratify the soil across the entire crossing, providing a detailed understanding of the varying soil conditions that might be encountered along the drill path.