Kawsik Aman Portfolio - Geotechnical

Soil Investigation

Soil resistivity testing

measures how much the soil resists the flow of electrical current. It is essential to know soil resistivity because it affects the performance of grounding systems used in electrical installations. Low soil resistivity means the soil conducts electricity well, which is good for grounding. High resistivity indicates poor conductivity, requiring special grounding solutions. This test helps ensure safety by designing effective earthing to protect people and equipment from electrical faults. Location: Hail City in Saudi Arabia / Jonodoriya in Saudi Arabia

Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

SPT is a common in-situ test used in geotechnical engineering to assess the properties of soil. During the test, a hollow sampler is driven into the soil by a hammer dropping from a standard height. The number of hammer blows required to drive the sampler a certain distance (usually the last 12 inches) is recorded as the “N-value.” This value indicates soil density and strength, helping engineers decide foundation design and soil stability.

Rock Quality Designation (RQD)

RQD is a measure of rock mass quality used in geotechnical and mining engineering. It is calculated from drill core samples by measuring the total length of sound (intact) core pieces longer than 10 cm divided by the total length of the core run, expressed as a percentage. Higher RQD values mean better rock quality, indicating more stable and less fractured rock, which is important for tunnel design, slope stability, and foundation support.

California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

CBR is a penetration test used to evaluate the strength and load-bearing capacity of soil, especially for designing pavements and roads. During the test, a standard piston is pressed into a soil sample at a controlled rate, and the resistance offered by the soil is measured. The CBR value is expressed as a percentage comparing the soil’s resistance to that of a standard crushed rock material. Higher CBR values indicate stronger soil suitable for supporting heavy loads, while lower values suggest weaker soil that may require stabilization or improvement before construction.