Smart Site Exploration Plans Take the Cake - Terracon (original) (raw)
News
November 05, 2024
Learn the steps to avoiding costly surprises during construction
Unmarked burial sites. Foundation remnants. Hidden utilities. Underground storage tanks. Pinnacle bedrock. Karst. When surprises like these are found during construction, work is halted, plans are scrapped, time is lost, and costs mount. When dealing with the headache of an unexpected below-ground challenge on one of your projects, you may have thought: There has to be a smarter way!
In fact, there is. Just like our TVs, phones, and even watches have gotten “smarter” through rapid technological advances, so have our tools to analyze a project site to better evaluate risks, schedules, and budgets. Drilling boreholes and testing the samples is just one of dozens of site characterization methods, and with most projects, this traditional method is not the best way to begin. So, where do you start?
Exploration tied to your project objectives
By combining specialized methods and tools, our experts can help you plan smarter to build better. We call it a Smart Exploration Plan.
Step 1: Predict. Starting with what’s already known about your site simply makes sense. The challenge is finding and gathering useful data quickly, especially when you’re considering multiple sites. Terracon’s location intelligence abilities (Pivvot) and proprietary desktop study platform (Stage1) reveal public and private geotechnical and environmental information specific to your project location. In addition to soil and bedrock conditions, Terracon has uncovered unmarked burial sites, karst conditions, seasonal high groundwater, potential habitats for threatened and endangered species, and many more constraints through Pivvot and Stage1 data analyses. These quick and relatively inexpensive deliverables help you identify key areas to investigate further, though again, not necessarily with drilling.
Step 2: Screen. Using non-invasive geophysical and remote sensing screening methods to learn more about your site’s subsurface is often your next best step after preliminary site studies. Staffed with the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, we’re able to access the right expertise and equipment based on your site’s particular needs.
Our geophysics professionals are your best source for determining the best screening tools for your site and project. A few common methods include ground penetrating radar (GPR), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), 2D electrical resistivity, and seismic refraction. Geophysical and remote sensing screening tools can be especially helpful for sites covering many acres or those with challenging terrain or continuous traffic.
Step 3: Target. With data from Steps 1 and 2, Terracon’s engineers and environmental professionals know exactly where we should explore further. Compared to a traditional boring plan that may miss several significant challenges, our Smart Exploration Plan leads to targeted direct field exploration – with methods such as traditional drilling, cone penetration testing (CPT), test pits, or a combination – that’s more cost-effective, thorough, and safe.
Step 4: Test. Testing is the final step to understanding what’s beyond the surface at your site. Our network of more than 140 accredited labs nationwide test soil and other materials. Their results provide the details our engineers need to make highly educated recommendations for foundations, subgrade support, and other design aspects of your project so you can confidently develop a plan that maximizes ground conditions. Additional services such as instrumentation can be provided for long-term monitoring of your site to give you additional peace of mind.
Following a Smart Exploration Plan that combines innovative tools and technology with Terracon’s historical data and professional expertise helps you design and build your project with confidence. In essence, it’s pretty simple: Predict early by leveraging existing data; screen for faster, more accurate information about an entire site; target field exploration based on screenings; and, finally, test to confirm findings.
After all, some people enjoy surprises and some don’t – but no one likes them on a construction site. To learn more about how a tailored Smart Exploration Plan might guide your next project, contact your local Terracon office.
Sara Somsky, P.E., is the geotechnical department manager in Terracon's Quad Cities office. She has completed projects in more than 10 states and worked projects including bridges, retaining walls, roadways, commercial buildings, water treatments plants, and more.
Jacob Spinsby, P.G., MSc, is national manager of geophysical services. He has more than 20 years of geophysical and management expertise, including subsurface utility engineering, geophysical exploration, and infrastructure non-destructive evaluation.