{"id":1644,"date":"2026-05-13T07:19:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T07:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geoservin.com\/?p=1644"},"modified":"2026-05-13T07:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T07:26:26","slug":"geotechnical-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geoservin.com\/en\/geotechnical-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Geotechnical survey: what it is, how it is carried out and what it is used for"},"content":{"rendered":"

Geotechnical drilling is one of the main techniques used in ground investigation, as it enables us to understand the structure of the subsoil and obtain samples for analysis<\/strong>. It forms part of geotechnical ground investigation and is essential for carrying out geotechnical studies in engineering and construction projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geotechnical surveys make it possible to characterise the materials present, assess their behaviour and determine the parameters required for the design of foundations and other structural solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At GEOSERVIN, geotechnical surveys are carried out as part of site investigation programmes for civil engineering, building and infrastructure projects, ensuring that reliable data is obtained for geotechnical analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a geotechnical survey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is a geotechnical survey? It is a drilling operation carried out in the ground with the aim of obtaining direct information about the nature and characteristics of the subsoil.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the survey, soil and rock samples are taken and the various layers of the ground are recorded, enabling the stratigraphic structure and geotechnical properties to be determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The boreholes form part of the geotechnical ground investigation campaign.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Correctly carrying out borehole investigations is key to ensuring that the data obtained is representative and can subsequently be used in the geotechnical analysis of the site.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are geotechnical surveys carried out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Geotechnical surveys are used to obtain key information that enables the safe and efficient design of a project\u2019s construction solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Site characterisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They enable the identification of the various materials present in the subsoil, their distribution, and their physical and mechanical properties. This information is crucial for defining the geotechnical model of the ground and assessing its behaviour under the project loads.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collecting soil and rock samples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the survey, samples are taken and subsequently analysed in the laboratory to determine geotechnical parameters. These tests enable the precise characterisation of soil properties and reduce design uncertainty.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assessment of foundation conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The data obtained makes it possible to determine the ground\u2019s bearing capacity, its deformability and other key factors for the design of foundations. This facilitates the selection of construction solutions suited to the actual site conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How a geotechnical survey is carried out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A geotechnical survey is carried out using a technical methodology that combines drilling, data logging and sampling.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quality of this work has a direct bearing on the reliability of the geotechnical study; consequently, its execution and supervision require technical expertise and continuous on-site monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drilling equipment and methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Specialised drilling equipment<\/strong> is used, tailored to the type of terrain and the depth of the investigation. The methods may vary<\/strong> depending on whether the ground consists of soil or rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sample collection and recording<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During drilling, soil samples are taken, recorded and classified. This process enables the sequence of layers and their characteristics to be identified.<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tests carried out during the survey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inside the borehole, in-situ tests can be carried out, such as penetration tests, which provide information on the strength and behaviour of the ground.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This work is usually carried out as part of geological and geotechnical fieldwork services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At GEOSERVIN, the execution and supervision of geotechnical surveys form part of investigation programmes tailored to each project, ensuring the quality of the data obtained and its consistency<\/strong> with the objectives of the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of work has been carried out on civil engineering, water infrastructure and renewable energy projects, where soil characterisation is key to ensuring the technical feasibility of construction solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of boreholes used in geotechnical investigation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are various types of geotechnical investigations, depending on the purpose of the study, the required depth and the characteristics of the ground:<\/p>\n\n\n\n