Investigation of Excavatability in the Piedmont

The lateral and vertical variability of rock weathering in the Piedmont presents significant problems in evaluating the probable cost of excavation for deep basements, pipeline, road cuts, subway excavations, etc. This paper presents information from a survey of geotechnical engineers and earthworks contractors who were contacted relative to methods of investigating excavatability of Piedmont materials. The paper also evaluates the type and amounts of information that would be cost effective in minimizing the cost uncertainties associated with the planning of excavations.