What is the purpose of a geotechnical site investigation?

Before a structure is built—regardless of whether it is a pipeline, skyscraper, bridge, parking lot, or solar farm—engineers must understand what is underneath it to ensure it is constructed safely and responsibly.

The purpose of a geotechnical site investigation is to understand a site’s subsurface conditions such as types of soils or rock, groundwater, and engineering properties. The cost of a subsurface investigation is less than 1% of the construction cost. However, the information it provides can save the project multiples of the investigation costs and help maintain the schedule.