Topic outline

  • Subsurface Investigations: Boring Log Interpretation

    Credits : 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    A boring log is a description of exploration procedures and subsurface conditions encountered during drilling, sampling and coring. Following is a brief list of items included in a boring log.

    Topics:

    • Topographic survey data including boring location and surface elevation, and bench mark location, and datum, if available.
    • An accurate record of any deviation in the planned boring locations.
    • Identification of the subsoils and bedrock including density, consistency, color, moisture, structure, geologic origin.
    • The depths of the various generalized soil and rock strata encountered.
    • Sampler type, depth, penetration, and recovery.
    • Sampling resistance in terms of hydraulic pressure or blows per depth of sampler penetration.
    • Size and type of hammer; Height of drop.
    • Soil sampling interval and recovery.
    • Rock core run numbers, depths & lengths, core recovery, and Rock Quality Designation (RQD)
    • Type of drilling operation used to advance and stabilize the hole.
    • Comparative resistance to drilling.
    • Loss of drilling fluid.
    • Water level observations with remarks on possible variations due to tides and river levels.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click Here:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion
    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Geotechnical, Civil, Construction, Hydraulic Structural, Foundations, and other engineers whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of soil testing methods, procedures and boring log interpretation.
    Publication Source: USDOT (Federal Highway Administration)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1