Engineering geodetic investigations
The scope of engineering‑geological investigations includes:
— collection and processing of legacy study materials;
— reconnaissance surveys;
— trial pits and boreholes;
— geophysical surveys;
— in‑situ soil tests;
— long‑term observations;
— laboratory testing of soils and groundwater;
— condition surveys of soils under existing buildings and structures;
— office processing of materials;
— forecasting changes in engineering‑geological conditions;
— hazard and risk assessment of geological and engineering‑geological processes;
— preparation of the technical report.
Full‑scope investigations should support and justify a range of design decisions. Typical tasks solved with these materials:
— technical feasibility and economic viability of construction in the area;
— comparison of alternative site locations and selection of the optimal one;
— layout of buildings and structures for the selected option;
— justification of design models for foundations and surrounding media;
— author supervision during construction.
These tasks should be addressed in the listed sequence. Some design tasks may not require field engineering‑geological works.
Geodetic works for construction and operation
Setting out projects in the field, staking of main and installation axes, elevations and slopes is performed using the onboard software of modern survey instruments.
Laser levels and vertical projection devices are widely used on construction sites.
Geometry control and construction quality are verified based on as‑built surveys.
Volumes of excavations and earthworks are computed from 3D geodetic surveys and terrain models.
Condition surveys of buildings and structures
The scope includes:
— foundations condition surveys;
— condition surveys of load‑bearing and envelope structures, joints and details;
— inspection of engineering utilities;
— recommendations and conclusions based on technical survey reports.