ENGINEERING GEOLOGY/Site Classification Site Classification A W Hatheway, Rolla, MO and Big Arm, MT, USA ß 2005, Elsevier Ltd All Rights Reserved Introduction Site characterization may be defined as the three dimensional engineering geologic description of the surface and subsurface of the location for intended construction of engineered works, for habitation, com merce, resource development, mitigation of natural hazards or conduct of groundwater protection, waste management or environmental remediation Site characterization provides the design information necessary for project planning Site characterization is frequently broken and discontinuous in nature, reflecting the naturally flawed ground that is being evaluated (Figure 1) The broad elements of site characterization are listed in Table No such table can be wholly inclusive, but it serves to establish a format for discovering and predicting the elements that should be included within the scope of construction work The broad goals of site characterization include: identification of sites likely to experience ground displacement from fault movement; identification of the stability of a site‘s configuration; establishment of the need to improve the engineering characteristics of the ground so as to resist damaging deformation; establishment of the need to control groundwater to prevent excess pore pressure and subsequent failure under the involved structural loads; and identification of the potential for creating green space not only for social gain but also to incorporate active faults and existing geohazards Purpose and Scope of Site Characterization Site characterization is a major component of site investigation, the purpose of which is to determine ground conditions at a proposed construction site The current terminology signifies a broadening of the purpose and scope to encompass the determination of relevant design needs for a wide variety of construction, resource development, hazard mitigation, and environmental goals Site investigation matured from the end of World War II through the 1970s, and then expanded in the 1980s, providing broad scope for the work of engineering geologists There is some published guidance on site characterization, but it is the responsibility of the engineering geologist in charge of each project to define the scope of the characterization in order to meet the design needs of the planner and engineer These needs fall into seven basic categories: a three-dimensional description of the project site to the depth of influence (i.e where the maximum applied (live and dead) static load from the intended use of the site has dropped to 10%); a description of the length and breadth of the proposed site and of the area beyond the property boundaries to such a distance as will encompass any anticipated effect of the activities contemplated at the site (this distance will be sufficient to cover the origins of geological constraints that may impinge on the contemplated site, including slope instability, groundwater inundation, and loss of ground support); the identification of ground that may be affected by displacement, volumetric change (shrinkage or swelling), or other forms of loss of physical support or chemical integrity relating to the intended construction; the discovery or prediction of ground instability above, below, on, or adjacent to the site; the detection and measurement of groundwater conditions (including perched and transient conditions) that may affect the construction, operation, or maintenance of the proposed works (including the estimation of annual variations and chemical composition, and in particular the potential to harm human health or the environment); the discovery or prediction of conditions that may adversely affect the rate, progress, or method of construction of the project; and the detection or prediction of ground conditions that may be unsafe or endanger the health of persons engaged in construction, or in work, visitation, or occupancy of the developed site Typical Site Characterization The owner has the primary and ultimate responsibility for ordering and funding a site characterization and for ensuring that any constraints identified by the