Question 1: The main difference between factual and engineering geological reports lies in their purpose, scope, and

level of analysis/
interpretation.
Factual Geological Report:
- Presents factual data and observations from site investigations, such as borehole logs, test pit records, field testing results, and laboratory
test data.
- Provides a descriptive record of the site's subsurface conditions, including soil/rock types, stratification, groundwater levels, etc.
- Does not include interpretations, analyses, or recommendations.
- Serves as a basis for further engineering geological studies and design.
Engineering Geological Report:
- Provides an interpretation and analysis of the factual data collected during site investigations.
- Evaluates the suitability of the site for the proposed construction project.
- Identifies potential geotechnical hazards and risks.
- Offers recommendations for foundation design, slope stability, ground improvement measures, and other engineering solutions.
- Incorporates relevant geological principles, analytical methods, and engineering judgment.
The basic contents of the finding of a geotechnical report typically include:
1. Introduction: Project background, site location, and scope of work.
2. Site description: Topography, existing structures, vegetation, and surface features.
3. Geological setting: Regional and local geology, soil/rock types, and geological history.
4. Field investigation: Details of boreholes, test pits, in-situ testing, and sampling methods.
5. Laboratory testing: Results of soil and rock tests, including classification, strength, and compressibility properties.
6. Subsurface conditions: Detailed description of soil/rock stratification, groundwater levels, and other relevant observations.
7. Geotechnical analyses: Calculations and assessments related to foundations, slope stability, seismic hazards, and other relevant aspects.
8. Recommendations: Suitable foundation types, bearing capacities, earthwork requirements, ground improvement measures, and other
engineering recommendations.
9. Limitations and additional investigations (if required).
10. Appendices: Borehole logs, test results, calculations, and other supporting data.
The geotechnical report combines factual data from site investigations with engineering analyses and recommendations, providing a
comprehensive assessment of the site's
suitability for the proposed construction project.
Question 2: As a geotechnical Engineer, one of your key responsibilities during site
investigation is determining the appropriate number and depth of boreholes.The
factors that must be considered in making this decision are:a) Nature of the
project: The type of construction (e.g., building, road, bridge) and its complexities
will influence the required level of subsurface investigation.b) Geological conditions
of the site: Understanding the site's geology, including soil/rock types,
stratification, and potential geological hazards, is crucial for planning boreholes.c)
Anticipated geotechnical issues: Potential issues such as soil stability,
groundwater conditions, and foundation requirements should be considered when
deciding borehole locations and depths.d) Relevant codes/guidelines: Refer to
applicable codes, standards, and guidelines specific to the project type and
location, as they often provide recommendations for borehole spacing and depths.
Regarding determining the number and depth of boreholes during site investigation
, the Ethiopian Building Code Standard (EBCS-7) provides guidance on this issue,
and the provision from this booklet should also be reviewed and considered.EBCS-7
Provision:The EBCS-7 code specifies the following requirements for the number
and depth of boreholes for different types of structures:1. For small, lightly loaded
structures (1-2 stories): Minimum of 1 borehole to a depth of 3 meters below
the proposed foundation level.2. For medium-sized structures (3-5 stories):
Minimum of 2 boreholes to a depth of 5 meters below the proposed foundation
level.3. For larger structures (6 stories and above): Minimum of 3 boreholes to a
depth of 10 meters below the proposed foundation level, with additional boreholes
as necessary based on site conditions.4. The spacing between boreholes should
not exceed 30 meters for soil sites and 15 meters for rock sites.5. Additional
boreholes may be required in areas with variable or problematic soil conditions,
such as expansive soils, collapsible soils, or potential liquefaction.Provision from
the Booklet:According to the provision in the booklet provided, the following
guidance should also be considered when deciding the number and depth of
boreholes:1. Refer to the nature of the project, including its complexity, size, and
anticipated loads.2. Evaluate the geological conditions of the site, including soil/
rock types, stratification, and potential geological hazards.3. Identify any
anticipated geotechnical issues, such as soil stability concerns, groundwater
conditions, or specific foundation requirements.4. Consult relevant codes,
standards, or guidelines specific to the project type and location for additional
recommendations or requirements.The EBCS-7 code provides specific minimum
requirements based on the structure size, while the booklet emphasizes
considering project-specific factors, site conditions, and applicable codes/
guidelines. Both sources should be reviewed and their provisions considered when
determining the appropriate number and depth of boreholes for a comprehensive
site investigation.
Question 3: The quality of laboratory test results heavily depends on the
quality of the samples obtained, regardless of the care taken during
testing procedures. Both disturbed and undisturbed samples can be
extracted using various types of samplers. Here are the key points:3.1
Different types of samplers and their basic features:a) Thin-walled tube
samplers (e.g., Shelby tubes): Used for retrieving relatively undisturbed
samples of cohesive soils. They have thin walls to minimize sample
disturbance.b) Split-barrel samplers (e.g., Standard Penetration Test):
Used for obtaining disturbed samples of both cohesive and non-cohesive
soils. They consist of a split barrel that is driven into the ground.c) Auger
samplers: Used for collecting disturbed samples from various depths,
particularly in non-cohesive soils. They consist of a spiral auger that
advances into the ground.d) Rock core samplers: Used for retrieving rock
cores from boreholes, providing information on rock quality and
properties.3.2 Design features of samplers that affect the degree of
disturbance:a) Wall thickness: Thin-walled samplers minimize disturbance
compared to thick-walled ones.b) Area ratio: The ratio of sampler's cross-
sectional area to that of the sample affects the degree of disturbance,
with lower ratios reducing disturbance.c) Cutting edge geometry: Sharp
and angled cutting edges can reduce sample disturbance during entry
into the soil.d) Internal clearance: Sufficient internal clearance between
the sampler and sample reduces friction and disturbance during sampling.
e) Sampling method: The method of advancing the sampler (e.g., pushed,
driven, rotated) can influence the degree of disturbance.