Geotechnical Investigation for Resort Construction Using Resistivity and Granulometric Studies in Pattinamaruthur Coast, Southern India

Abstract

The aim of this article is to find out the soil strength, depth of hard rock, boundary of Archean and Quaternary stages, and aquifer conditions for resort construction in Pattinamaruthur coast, Southern India. Thus geotechnical studies using the electrical resistivity method and grain size analysis were carried out in marine environs using the CRM-500 equipment and microscope. In the field 20 profiles were covered using the square array configuration and the data were interpreted using the curve matching technique. The contour maps of soil thickness and depth to the basement were prepared using the GIS software package (ArcGIS 9.3). The results indicate that the top layer has a resistivity value ranging from 20 to 100 X-m showing clayey, sand and sandy clay with maximum a layer thickness of 1.5 m. It is also able to distinguish the soil and rock boundaries. The electrical resistivity values are obtained that range from 1 to 5 X-m for saltwater, 5-50 X-m for sandstone and [400 X-m for weathered genesis rock in the study area. The grain size analysis has identified the depositional environment such as coastal and inland dunes, and freshwater deposits; and also recommended for wood house foundation in the coastal area for disaster management.