Australian Standard, AS 1726-1993 sets out, in detail, the minimum requirements for the carrying out of a geotechnical site investigation.
AS 1726-1993 provides these definitions:
Geotechnical – pertaining to the nature, condition and physical properties of the earth’s crust (whether soil or rock and including water and gases therein) which affect its performance in civil engineering and building works.
Geotechnical Site Investigations – the process of evaluating the geotechnical character of a site in the context of existing or proposed works or land usage,
Site investigation requires sampling of the soils at varying depths. This requires the use of a drill and the means to raise samples from various depths. Soil samples are taken for the purpose of laboratory testing. Other types of equipment are used to gather additional in-site design information. An in situ assesment of the geotechnical characteristics of the site is carried out. The location of any trees, water ways, or other contributing features are noted.
Soil testing is undertaken by Soil Testers licensed under the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991.