2.2. Document Review

Prior to performing the subsurface exploration, it may be necessary to perform a document review. Examples of the types of documents that may need to be reviewed are as follows:

Prior Development. If the site had prior development, it is important to obtain information on the
history of the site. The site could contain old deposits of fill, abandoned septic systems and leach
fields, buried storage tanks, seepage pits, cisterns, mining shafts, tunnels, and other man-made sur-face and subsurface works that could impact the new proposed development. There may also be
information concerning on-site utilities and underground pipelines, which may need to be capped or
rerouted around the project.

Buried Storage Tank

Seepage Pit

Mining Shaft

Tunnels

Underground pipeline and utilities

Septic system

Aerial Photographs and Geologic Maps.  During the course of the work, it may be necessary for

the engineering geologist to check reference materials, such as aerial photographs or geologic maps.

Aerial photographs are taken from an aircraft flying at prescribed altitude along preestablished lines.

Interpretation of aerial photographs takes considerable judgment and because they have more train-ing and experience, it is usually the engineering geologist who interprets the aerial photographs. 

Geologic maps can be especially useful to the geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist

because they often indicate potential geologic hazards (e.g., faults landslides and the like) as well as

the type of near surface soil or rock at the site.

Aerial photograph

Geologic Map

Topographic Maps.  Both old and recent topographic maps can provide valuable site information.

The main purpose of the topographic map is to indi-cate ground surface elevations or elevations of the sea floor. 

This information can be used to determine the major topographic features at the site and for the planning of subsurface exploration, such as available access to the site for drilling rigs.

Topographic map

Building Code and Other Specifications.  A copy of the most recently adopted local building code

should be reviewed. Usually only a few sections of the building code will be directly applicable to foundation engineering.

 For example, the main applicable geotechnical section in the International Building Code(2009) is Chap. 18, “Soils and Foundations.” 

Depending on the type of project, there may be other specifications that are applicable for the project and will need to be reviewed. 

Documents that may be needed for public works projects include the Standard Specifications for Public Works construction(2003) or the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges(AASHTO, 1996).

International Building code book

Standaard Specifications for Highway Bridges

Documents at the Local Building Department.  Other useful technical documents include geot-echnical and foundation engineering reports for adjacent properties, which can provide an idea of

possible subsurface conditions. A copy of geotechnical engineering reports on adjacent properties

can often be obtained at the archives of public agencies, such as the local building department. Other

valuable reference materials are standard drawings or standard specifications, which can also be

obtained from the local building department.

Table 2.2 presents a summary of typical documents that may need to be reviewed prior to or dur-ing the construction of the project.