Geological inspection of excavations
Checking that soils at the bottom of an excavation match the geological report, issuing an inspection record and refining foundation solutions if needed.
Licensed service · EL-845/2026
Once an excavation is dug, the soil beneath the foundation can be seen as a whole for the first time. Boreholes characterise only individual points of a site, so surprises may appear in the pit: old fill, abandoned wells, weak lenses, seepage or an irregular limestone surface. A geological inspection of the excavation reveals such deviations before the foundation is built.
The geologist visually inspects the bottom and walls of the pit, describes the soils, takes samples where needed and evaluates soil condition with quick methods such as a pocket penetrometer or a plate test. Bottom levels are checked with a level or GNSS receiver, and groundwater inflow into the pit is recorded.
Actual conditions are compared with the engineering geological report. If they match, a formal record of acceptance of the foundation soils is issued; if differences are found, solutions are proposed together with the designer, such as replacing weak soil, deepening the foundation, additional compaction or drainage.
In the saline and collapsible soils of Baku an open pit exposed to rain or groundwater deteriorates quickly, so the inspection should take place as soon as excavation is complete.
When you need it
- After excavation and before foundation works
- When technical supervision or the designer requires an inspection record
- When unexpected soil or water appears in the pit
- When the excavation has been left open for a long time
- When the existing geological report is old or incomplete
What's included
- Site visit by a geologist
- Visual inspection of bottom and walls
- Soil description and photo record
- Quick tests and sampling if needed
- Checking bottom levels
- Comparison with the report
- Inspection record and recommendations
How we work
- Review of the geological report and design
- Inspection and measurements in the pit
- Comparison of actual and design conditions
- Issue of the record or opinion
- Agreeing on solutions with the designer if needed
Deliverables
- Inspection record of foundation soils
- Photographs and soil description
- Geological opinion and recommendations in case of deviations
