B.
Purpose of Subsurface Exploration (Wendy)
So we know whenever we build any kind of engineering structure, whether it’s a bridge,
whether it is a dam, a tunnel, a turbine, or offshore structures, it is essential for every engineer
to consider the dead load of the structure, the live load that acts upon the structure or any kind
of load.
So when we design buildings, it is important to ensure that they can withstand any kind of load.
Depending upon the depth of foundation, we have to make sure what kind of soil is available
beneath the foundation. And the soil must be strong enough to withstand any overcoming load.
So for us to ensure those kinds of activities and criteria, we have to go for sub-surface
exploration. This will ensure the safety of the overall structure.
Overall, Engineers check the soil to make sure buildings stay strong. Tulad ng mga mag-jowa
hindi ba? They check their feelings to make sure their relationship stays strong. They explore the
solidity of their emotional foundation, ensuring it can endure challenges together, just as
engineers examine the strength of soil to support structures during tough times.
Department of Public Works and Highway
Tulad ng ginawa ng DPWH, they first conducted consulting services for Subsurface Exploration
para sa kanilang Proposed Widening/ Construction of the Nine Bridges along the National Road.
And according to their Terms of Reference, the objective of….
“Consulting Services for the Subsurface Exploration and Soil Survey for the Proposed Widening /
Construction of Nine (9) Bridges and its Approaches along National Roads under the CY 2020
DPWH Infrastructure Program.”
1.) Tab-ang Bridge,
2.) Kiga Bridge,
3.) Pinucawan Bridge,
4.) Rizal Bridge,
5.) Sewing Bridge,
6.) Magob-ob Bridge,
7.) Pandan Bridge,
8.) Pandan Bridge,
9.) Panaliwatan bridge
Objective
The objective of subsurface exploration is to determine the arrangement of the soil strata and
engineering properties of the underlying soils, particularly strength and deformation
characteristics, as well as the soil bearing capacities, in order for a safe and economical
foundation may be designed.
The objective of a soil survey is to obtain information relative to the distribution and properties
of soils, groundwater and surface drainage conditions, and other pertinent data necessary for a
rational and economic design of bridge approaches
So basically, subsurface exploration is like digging into the ground to understand what's
underneath. The goal is to figure out how the different layers of soil are put together and what
their properties are, especially how strong they are and how much they can bend or change
shape under pressure.
So it's very important talaga to conduct subsurface exploration before conducting any types of
engineering construction. Kasi dito mo malalaman gaano ka strong yung soil of where the
structure will stand. So you are able to determine the strength of the soil by various tests and
assessments and specifically, geotechnical engineers ang mga nag coconduct ng mga ganitong
klaseng tests. And later on, we will discuss these tests one by one.
And it is possible that soil can change shape due to many factors. Tulad ng mga load dba? When
a load, such as building or a heavy structure, is placed on soil, it can compress or squish down.
Kasi nga dba, due to the weight of the structure, pinupush niya ung mga soil particles closer
together. And if the soil compresses too much, it can cause the foundation to sink unevenly.
So magkakaroon tayo ng tinatawag nating sinking foundation, this happens when the layers of
soil under a structure can no longer handle the structure's weight.
Engineers do this to design foundations for buildings or other structures that are both safe and
don't cost too much. By knowing what's under the ground and how strong it is, they can make
sure that the buildings they design won't collapse and will last a long time.
Essentially, it's about understanding the ground conditions so that engineers can build bridges
in the right places and in the right manner to ensure they're safe and won't cause unnecessary
expenses.
PURPOSE:
To determine the general suitability of the site.
We are able to investigate the soil and rock layers beneath the surface to
understand their properties and characteristics.
To find out the sources of construction material.
Subsurface exploration aims to identify and locate deposits of construction
materials such as gravel, sand, and stone hidden beneath the earth's surface. By
conducting surveys and analyses, engineers can pinpoint these resources,
determining their quality, quantity, and accessibility for use in construction
projects. This information helps in planning and managing the extraction of
materials, ensuring a sustainable and efficient supply for construction endeavors.
To ensure the safety of surrounding existing structures
Through careful investigation and analysis, subsurface exploration plays a crucial
role in ensuring the long-term safety and stability of surrounding infrastructure.
Subsurface exploration aims to assess soil and rock conditions beneath the
ground to identify any potential risks or hazards that could compromise the
safety of nearby structures.
To locate the groundwater level and possible corrosive effect of soil and water on
foundation material.
To locate the groundwater level, engineers conduct surveys and measurements
to determine the depth at which water is present underground. This helps in
understanding the potential risk of water seepage into foundations. Additionally,
assessing the corrosive properties of soil and water helps engineers select
appropriate materials for foundations, mitigating the risk of deterioration over
time.
Selection of suitable construction technique.
Selection of type and depth of foundation.
B. Indirect Methods (Non-Destructive) (Wendy)
1. Geophysical Methods
o GEOPHYSICAL methods of exploring the subsurface have proved their worth for
preliminary surveys in connection with many of the problems encountered in civil
engineering. These rapid and relatively inexpensive methods have been used to explore
foundation conditions at proposed sites for buildings, bridges, and large dams, to classify
excavation materials in highway grading operations, to determine the depth of swampy
materials, to investigate proposed tunnel sites, to study potential and existing slide
conditions, and to locate and outline supplies of construction materials such as sand,
gravel, solid rock, and other special geologic formations of engineering importance.
a. Seismic refraction and reflection
Seismic refraction is one of the methods of geophysics used to investigate subsurface ground
conditions for trenchless operations. It utilizes seismic waves sourced from the ground surface. A
seismic wave is energy transfer by way of particle motion and is of three types namely,
compression wave, shear wave, and surface wave.
The velocity of seismic waves depends on the density of elastic moduli. The data obtained by
seismic refraction is processed to interpret and produce models of seismic velocity and layer
thickness of subsurface ground structure. It can also measure overburden thickness where
bedrock is deep.
While conducting a seismic refraction survey, low-frequency seismic energy is produced by a
seismic source on the surface such as a hammer plate, buffalo gun, or weight drop – depending
on the depth of penetration required and prevalent site conditions.
As the seismic waves propagate downward, they are reflected or refracted off layers in the
subsurface. 24 or 48 geophones arranged at regular intervals of 1-10 meters detect these
refracted seismic waves. The output data from the geophones is compiled and processed by a
seismograph. The seismic trace components include direct wave, reflected wave, and critically
refracted wave. Wave refraction occurs at interfaces where the lower layer has greater seismic
velocity than the overlying layer.
b. Electrical resistivity
c. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
d. Magnetic and gravity surveys
2. Remote Sensing
a. Aerial photography
b. Satellite imagery
3. Sounding
a. Drilling stock with a plastic hammer
b. Manual percussion penetration
c. Pneumatic percussion penetration
d. Electric percussion penetration
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/webform/consultancy/bid_bulletin/TERMS%20OF
%20REFERENCE%2019CSIG01.pdf
