Planning
Collect maps, previous boreholes, site history and observations after heavy rain. Agree investigation points with specialists. Unsupported trial pits are dangerous and do not replace a report.
Emergency preparedness · 18 min
Assess ground, slope and groundwater
What lies below ground determines foundations, water and excavation safety.
Soil type, layers, rock, fill, slope movement and water levels cannot be inferred reliably from photographs. A geotechnical investigation provides the basis for foundations, waterproofing, drainage and safe temporary works.
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Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Record household needs, dependencies, current official information and available safe locations.
- Agree responsibilities, communication rules and a fallback before time pressure develops.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
What lies below ground determines foundations, water and excavation safety.
Learning goals
- Establish ground and water conditions through qualified investigation
- List nearby hazards and every connected system
- Record the test result, responsible person and maintenance date
Inspection
Compare results with the proposed structure and construction stages. Variable strata, slope pressure, groundwater pressure and unresolved discharge are critical. Reject the site if risks cannot be controlled.
Operation and maintenance
After completion, monitor settlement, cracks, drainage and water levels. Changes after extreme weather trigger an additional inspection.
Practical check
- Establish ground and water conditions through qualified investigation
- Record conditions with photographs and a plan
- Assign responsibility
- Test function under realistic conditions
- Document results and maintenance date
Important
- Do not build without required specialist design
- Never trade escape routes or safe air for storage
- Do not present unverified assumptions as protective performance
Decision training
What must be checked before work begins on “Assess ground, slope and groundwater”?
- ABuild immediately by improvisation
- BDocument conditions, obtain the required assessment and then test
- CPostpone the issue until an emergency
Show answer
Correct: B. Photographs, plans, specialist checks and a functional test show whether the proposed solution works safely at the actual site.