Site Reconnaissance in Geotechnical Engineering

This lecture covers the importance of site reconnaissance in geotechnical engineering, focusing on the different phases involved in the process, such as collecting existing data, conducting a comprehensive field campaign, specific detailed investigations, monitoring during construction, and observing the structure's behavior during operation. The instructor emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of the site to select suitable locations, establish initial conditions for design, diagnose failure situations, and ensure compliance. Various methods like geophysics, boreholes, drilling tests, and piezometry are discussed to provide a comprehensive view of the site. The lecture also highlights the significance of continuous monitoring to validate geotechnical assumptions and enhance construction techniques.