Geotechnical Site Characterization in the Year 2012 and Beyond

Due to the inherent complexities of natural soil materials, a thorough geotechnical site investigation program requires an integrated testing program of geophysics, rotary drilled borings with sampling, in-situ measurements, and various laboratory test series in order to provide ample information for design and analysis. This is only possible on large projects or situations where critical structures receive sufficient funding. For routine site exploration, realistic limitations in cost and time would dictate that the seismic piezocone test (SCPTù) and seismic flat dilatometer test (SDMTà) with dissipation phases be adopted in practice since as many as five separate measurements are obtained in an economical, continuous, and expedient manner from a single sounding. The collection of multiple readings is necessary to provide adequate information on geomaterials for rational engineering evaluations.