A Study on the Geophysical Methods in Soil Investigation in Malaysia Construction Industry

Lee, Syin Yi (2021) A Study on the Geophysical Methods in Soil Investigation in Malaysia Construction Industry. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

Text RBD#Lee Syin Yi#18WVR11766.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (9MB)

Abstract

Geophysical tests have been used in construction engineering for decades, their applications on major construction projects has now become routine. Construction on problematic soil is a great obstacles in geotechnical engineering field. Problems such as rocky or soft soil, presence of high water table and existing structure weaken bearing capacity or outrageous settlement often happen during or after construction process because of high compressibility and small shear strength of soil. The aim of this paper is to study on the geophysical method in soil investigation in the context of Malaysia construction industry. The objectives are to identify the geophysical method used in Malaysia construction industry, the ground conditions that can be detected, to evaluate the satisfaction level of construction professions and the barrier of implementation. Quantitative method is preferred in this research paper. Survey questionnaire is the most common research instrument used in quantitative research. The data collected were analyse with descriptive analyses and test for differences (e.g. ANOVA). The results showed the most commonly applied geophysical method is the resistivity method with the sources that commonly detected are soft soil and hard soil. The satisfaction was proved with highest ranking in large area evaluating of subsoil and non-destructiveness. ANOVA revealed that there is no significant difference between the geophysical methods and their potentials. Traditional methods of soil investigations are always preferred by the construction professions, in their perceptions this was due to the lack of experienced workers. With the expansion of modern technologies, geophysical methods need be encouraged among the construction industry due to their reliability with sufficient results.