Objectives

This section identifies the principal objectives of site investigation, considering all those who may be affected by its outcomes. It identifies a range of ground-related hazards and risks, and considers how uncertainties may be identified, allowed for and reduced. It describes the generic technical objectives of site investigations, and discusses how the physical work of site investigation can be planned, and results interpreted.

Site investigation may affect all those investing in, constructing or benefiting from a development, for example, the project promoter, the designers, the project manager and construction companies, the public and end users. Many of these groups will only become aware of the importance of site investigation and geotechnical or geoenvironmental design when serious problems are encountered.