Enabling factors

Effective site investigation relies on the successful blending of a range of different professional and technical skills, experience, and resource within a contractual framework that recognises subcontractor expertise and makes the best of it through close liaison and a two-way transfer of information as project concepts develop. The following sections describe some of the background factors that are vital for a successful outcome.

Because the effective planning of a site investigation cannot be carried out without some knowledge of previous land use and the ground conditions under a proposed construction site, it is essential that a geotechnical and/or geoenvironmental professional provides advice to the project team. For the promoter to gain maximum benefit, this should occur early during conceptual design, and preferably during pre-project planning. To ensure consistency of approach and retention of site knowledge, the same professional should ideally be associated with the entire development or construction programme, from cradle to grave.