Excavation in research is the process of collecting and determining information from materials like rock, soil, wood, etc., by any method like surface sampling, subsidence, site investigation, or excavation. It also requires planning, coordination, and the use of appropriate machinery for the process of excavation. Site investigation involves a detailed analysis of the land to determine the authenticity of the sample. It is essential to have excavation in research conducted in compliance with specific safety standards, for instance, those adopted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
What is a site investigation?
Sites are usually investigated when the sample’s location is unknown, or there is no existing site study. Subsidence sample investigation is done to evaluate earthquake risk. A subsidence site investigation is an excavation done in a known area where the ground slip resistance is less than 1% of the total settling pressure. Site investigation is the analysis of the soil around the proposed foundation to identify areas of instability.
Site investigation is also done to prep for the sample. The sample is taken from the site and is transported to the laboratory. The most common sample types are soil, clay particles, core samples, and bitumen. In site investigation, the investigator collects the sample directly from the earth. Clay particles are collected using a clay drill, and the sample is then taken to the lab. The sample is then sent for laboratory analysis using different techniques.
When the sample is being tested, the sample is placed inside a cylindrical plastic tube, which is then inserted into a machine called ‘ibble roller.’ The sample is then run through a vibrating tester that shakes the sample to simulate the soil movement. After this, the sample is dried and put into a final inspection cart. This last part is then placed in a sealed container and is ready to be shipped to the client. It may also be done on a dry site to eliminate the need to transport water during the sample transfer.
Understanding the purpose
Excavation is mainly used to search for metals and other minerals. Excavation is carried out when samples of a specific area are needed. This can be used as a pre-test of possible contaminants to check for levels of toxicity. When this type of sample is being done, specialists use a cylindrical tube with a camera at the end. This tube is inserted into a borehole, and the sample is delivered through the hole. The camera lets the researcher see the sample through the borehole.
Another form of excavation is when soil is being sampled from a hillside. A sample is taken from the hillside, and then the area is leveled. The sample is run through a sieve to remove small rocks that have been incorporated into the soil. This is the same procedure used for boring holes and sampling.
Sample drilling is when the soil sample is drilled into the earth by hand or with a machine. It is also called rim drilling. The sample is placed in the hole and lit so that it can be seen. This is an easy and effective way of doing the excavation and does not disturb the surrounding area.
Excavation is an integral part of a research job and therefore requires the services of a professional. Some of the equipment used for excavation includes trucks with torsion springs, boom lifts, and bulldozers. Construction workers and landmen also engage in some excavation work. It is a time-consuming and challenging job and needs to be done correctly to avoid disrupting the surrounding areas.