Introduction

Site investigation is an integral and vital part of construction. In the context of this document, it is the process by which ground engineering professionals such as geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and geoenvironmental engineers and scientists obtain information on the ground beneath sites that are to be developed or remediated. Failure to carry out a good site investigation can put project viability at risk, affecting construction cost, time to completion, durability and whole-life cost, the health and safety of workers and the public, and the environment (Figure 1.1), while potentially also leading to loss of archaeological heritage (Figure 1.2) and adverse publicity for the client.