Geotechnical Testing Setup/Questionnaire 1

[Intern00]

I am an intern for the summer and was given the task of researching what our company would need if we were to get into geotechnical testing. Unfortunately I have not taken a soils class yet so most of this is completely new to me. I have started researching the cost of testing equipment to cover Proctor tests, Atterberg Limits Device, sieve analysis and moisture content (what I saw as important when studying an old geotechnical textbook in the office). I think the company wants to offer some additional services when they are doing environmental/civil work for clients. The other task I was given is to come up with a questionnaire outlining the client information that needs to be gathered in order to start a proposal. Other than name and phone number, I'm not sure what to include. I guess I am asking for any suggestions anyone may have. Since everyone is extremely busy and my immediate supervisor is on vacation, I am kind of left on my own. Thanks.

 

[BigH]

Intern00:

Why not search the web for Fee schedules of soil testing companies - many put their fees up on the web. For instance:

http://www.coopertestinglabs.com/pages/FeeShedule.pdf

http://www.hydrotestlab.com/pdf/2007 Lab Soil Testing Services.pdf

This will help you identify the types of tests that are typically done in a soils testing laboratory. You should check a number of different companies - for not all companies do all testing.

Similarly, you can search for those doing environmental testing (metals scan, etc.) and see what types of tests they commonly do.

Once you know the tests that are "common" (you might stay away from triaxial testing), then you can list the equipment needed and price it accordingly.
[Cheers]

 

[dirtsqueezer]

I think BigH's comment is good. See what the other guys are doing. It sounds like this is just some research for the firm, so any information that you can provide will probably be of help.

My question is, what does your firm do now? Is it a concrete testing firm? Construction observation? You might consider what you already have to build on before you try an reinvent the wheel. My first internship was a company that was starting a geotech department from just being construction materials testing; concrete, structural steel, fireproofing, ect. We already had a set of sieves and some other testing equipment for Atterbugs, proctors, and the like. We worked with an outside engineering firm for bearing recommendations, slope stabilities, and Phase I ESAs. They eventually hired on their own PE, presumably for foundation recommendations and mass grading operations (as if they were big-time), as well as a few geologists.

Anyway, let me know what you have to work with. I can tell you what I know.