International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 10 | Oct 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Geotechnical Investigations in Practice: Challenges, Consequences, and Quality Enhancement — Case Studies Sachin Kamat1, Gaurav Singh Chauhan 2 1 Deputy General Manager - Geotechnical, KEC International Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 2 Manager - Geotechnical, KEC International Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Abstract - India's construction sector encompassing residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure is experiencing
significant growth largely driven by increased government initiatives. This accelerated growth presents both opportunities and challenges for the construction industries, geotechnical engineering playing a critical role. As projects grow in scale and complexity, the demand for advanced geotechnical solutions to address diverse site conditions, foundation requirements and underground conditions is greater than ever. Therefore, A thorough and accurate geotechnical investigation is an essential prerequisite for the successful execution of any construction project. From early stages of planning and design to construction, reliable geotechnical data provides the foundation for informed decision making. Comprehensive investigations help identify site constraints, assess subsurface conditions, and anticipate potential geotechnical challenges reducing risks and avoiding costly delays. However, in practice, the scope of these investigations is often dictated by project timelines and budgetary limitations, rather than guided by the inherent variability and complexity of subsurface conditions. The issue of inadequate site characterization remains a significant challenge. Poor-quality investigations can have significant consequences on project outcomes, including cost overruns, delays in construction schedules, structural failures, and unnecessarily conservative foundation design. Addressing this problem requires investment in advanced geotechnical investigation technologies, stricter regulatory control, and engagement of qualified and experienced personnel. This paper presents case studies that demonstrate specific issues arising from inaccurate and inadequate geotechnical investigations. Each case highlights the consequences of lapses in quality and assessment of geotechnical parameters and explains how to mitigate these issues and enhance safety and performance. Key Words: Foundation design, Geotechnical Investigation, Liquefaction Analysis, Standard Penetration Tests.
1. INTRODUCTION In any civil engineering project, geotechnical investigation is the most important activity for making correct decisions on design and the selection of appropriate construction techniques for foundations. A thorough and accurate geotechnical investigation is an essential prerequisite for the successful execution of any construction project. From early stages of planning and design to construction, reliable geotechnical data provides the foundation for informed decision making. Comprehensive investigations help identify site constraints, assess subsurface conditions, and anticipate potential geotechnical challenges reducing risks and avoiding costly delays. The main objectives of a ground investigation as listed by IS:1892 [1] and BS:5930 [2] are as follows: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.
Assessing site suitability for the proposed works. investigation the sequence of various soil and rock layers, ground water levels and collecting disturbed and undisturbed samples for identification and testing. Evaluation of physical, strength, settlement parameters and chemical properties from the laboratory testing. determining foundation system, requirement of ground improvement if any. anticipating construction challenges predicting impact of the proposed construction on nearby structures.
It should be recognized that a thorough understanding of the subsurface conditions depends on the quantity and quality of geotechnical investigations. In practice, the reliability of design is often governed more by accuracy and comprehensiveness of site-specific data than on theoretical precision of analytical models. Without representative and high-quality data, even the most sophisticated design methods may yield unreliable or unsafe outcomes. However, in practice, the scope of these investigations is often dictated by project timelines and budgetary limitations, rather than guided by the inherent variability and complexity of subsurface conditions. The issue of Inadequate site characterization remains a significant challenge. It has been generally observed that not much importance is given to controlling the quality of geotechnical investigation. Poor-quality investigations can have significant consequences on project outcomes, including cost overruns, delays in construction schedules, structural failures, and unnecessarily conservative foundation design.
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