Geotechnical investigation and testing

BSI’s geotechnical investigation and testing standards establish the basic principles for the identification and classification of soils and rock. They should be used to assess the suitability of a site for geotechnical engineering purposes (such as foundations, ground improvements, roads, embankments, dams and drainage systems).

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BS EN ISO 14688-2:2004
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Identification and classification of soil. Principles for a classification


 This part of ISO 14688, together with ISO 14688-1, establishes the basic principles for the identification and classification of soils on the basis of those material and mass characteristics most commonly used for soils for engineering purposes. The relevant characteristics may vary and therefore, for particular projects or materials, more detailed subdivisions of the descriptive and classification terms may be appropriate. Identification and description of soil are covered by ISO 14688-1. The classification principles established in this part of ISO 14688 permit soils to be grouped into classes of similar composition and geotechnical properties and, with respect to their suitability for geotechnical engineering purposes, such as:

  • foundations
  • ground improvements
  • roads
  • embankments
  • dams
  • drainage systems.

This part of ISO 14688 is applicable to natural soil and similar man-made material in situ and redeposited, but it is not a classification of soil by itself. Identification and description of rock are covered by ISO 14689-1. 

  

standard coverBS EN ISO 22476-2:2005
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Field testing. Dynamic probing
standard coverBS EN ISO 22476-3:2005
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Field testing. Standard penetration test

standard coverBS EN ISO 14689-1:2003
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Identification and classification of rock. Identification and description

standard coverBS EN ISO 14688-1:2002
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Identification and classification of soil Identification and description
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