ETC ETC Surveying & Site Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a geotechnical site investigation?
- To determine property market values
- To characterize subsurface soil and rock conditions for engineering design (Correct answer)
- To locate underground utilities before excavation
- To assess environmental contamination levels
Correct answer: To characterize subsurface soil and rock conditions for engineering design
Geotechnical investigations characterize subsurface conditions including soil types, stratigraphy, and groundwater to inform foundation and earthwork design.
Question 2: What does SPT stand for in geotechnical engineering?
- Soil Profile Test
- Standard Penetration Test (Correct answer)
- Site Permeability Trial
- Slope Protection Threshold
Correct answer: Standard Penetration Test
The Standard Penetration Test measures soil resistance by counting the blows needed to drive a split-spoon sampler 12 inches into the ground.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a topographic survey?
- To determine legal property ownership boundaries
- To map the natural and man-made features and elevations of a site (Correct answer)
- To assess underground utility locations
- To calculate cut and fill volumes for grading
Correct answer: To map the natural and man-made features and elevations of a site
A topographic survey maps the three-dimensional shape of the land surface, including elevations, slopes, and features like streams and structures.
Question 4: Which document defines the legal boundaries of a parcel of land?
- Soil boring log
- As-built drawing
- Plat or survey plan (Correct answer)
- Site grading plan
Correct answer: Plat or survey plan
A plat or survey plan is a legal document prepared by a licensed surveyor that defines property boundaries, dimensions, and easements.
Question 5: What is a soil boring log used to document?
- The depth and type of soil layers encountered during drilling (Correct answer)
- Daily excavation progress on a construction site
- Compaction test results for fill material
- Groundwater pump-out volumes
Correct answer: The depth and type of soil layers encountered during drilling
A boring log records the soil types, depths, sample locations, and groundwater encountered during subsurface investigation drilling.
Question 6: What is the significance of the 100-year floodplain designation?
- The site floods every 100 years
- There is a 1% annual chance of flooding, requiring special design considerations (Correct answer)
- Development is restricted for 100 years
- The site is 100 feet below the flood stage
Correct answer: There is a 1% annual chance of flooding, requiring special design considerations
The 100-year floodplain has a 1% annual probability of flooding and triggers regulatory requirements including FEMA floodplain management rules.
ETC ETC Surveying & Site Assessment 2
What is the primary purpose of a geotechnical site investigation?