BJECTIVES OF A SOIL SURVEYThe overall objective of a soil survey is to

gather(explore) as much information of engineeringsignificance as possible pertaining to the subsurfaceconditions in a

specified area. Soil samples are collectedfor laboratory tests to determine if the existing soilconditions could support the type of
structure plannedfor construction without adding other material forstabilization. The exploration is conducted in a
specificmanner to determine the following information:1. Location, nature, and classification of soil layers2. Condition of soils
in place (density and moisturecontent)3. Drainage characteristics4. Groundwater and bedrock5. Development of a soil
profile.Location, Nature and Classificationof Soil LayersAdequate and economic earthwork and foundationdesign of a structure
can be done only when the typesand depths of soil are known. By the classification ofthe soils (discussed later in this chapter),
you can predictthe extent of problems concerning drainage, frost
action,settlement, stability, and similar factors. While you canestimate the soil characteristics by field observations,for la
boratory testing, you should obtain samples of themajor soil types as well as less extensive deposits
thatmay conversely influence design.Condition of Natural SoilsThe moisture content and density of a soil in itsnatural state
plays an important part in design andconstruction. The moisture content of a soil in place maybe so high as to require the
selection of a different site.If the natural soil is sufficiently dense and meets therequired specifications, no compaction of
subgrade isrequired. On the other hand, extremely dense soil lyingin cut sections maybe difficult to excavate with
ordinarytractor-scraper units. Such dense soil often needs to
bescarified or rooted before excavation.Drainage CharacteristicsDrainage characteristics, both surface and sub-surface, of a
soil greatly affect the strength of the soil.This characteristic is controlled by a combination
offactors. Some of these factors are void ratio, soilstructure and stratification, temperature of soil, depth towater table, and
the extent of local disturbance by rootsand worms. Coarse-grained soils have better internaldrainage than fine-
grained soils.Groundwater and BedrockAll structures must be constructed at an elevationthat ensures they will not be
adversely affected by thegroundwater table. If a proposed grade line lies
belowthe elevation of the water table, either the grade linemust be raised or the water table must be lowered
byartificial drainage.The unexpected discovery of bedrock within thelimits of an excavation greatly increases the time
andequipment required to excavate. If the amount of rockis extensive, a change in grade or even a change of sitemay be the only
way out.Field Notes and Soil ProfileThe engineer or EA in charge of the soil survey
mustkeep accurate field notes and logs. This person isresponsible for surveying, numbering, and
recordingeach boring, test pit, or other exploration investigation.A log is kept of each test hole. It should show
thedepth below the surface (or the top and bottomelevations) of each soil layer, the field identification ofeach soil present at
the site, and the number and type ofeach sample taken. Other items of information you needto include in the log are the density
of each soil, changesin moisture content, depth to groundwater, and depth torock. Keep a detailed field log of each auger boring
ortest pit made during the soil survey. A typical boring logis shown in figure 16-1.When you complete the survey, consolidate
theinformation contained in the separate logs. Classify andshow the depth of soil layers in each log. It is also helpfulfor the log
keeper to show the natural water contents offine-grained soils, when possible. Record this along theside of each log. Note the
elevation of the groundwatertable. This elevation is simply that of any free waterstanding in the test hole. To permit the water to
reachmaximum elevation, the engineer or EA should allow24 hours to elapse before measuring it. This gives a
moreaccurate measurement.