---
title: "Information from preliminary exploration"
subject: "Foundation Engineering"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/foundation_engineering:prelim-exploration-info"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/prelim-exploration-info
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Information from preliminary exploration

Foundation Engineering · Chapter 2: Soil Exploration

- Asked in: 2080 Baisakh, 2 marks
- Video: [Foundation Engineering | Preliminary stages in site investigation | Soil exploration | Mohan Dangi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lqJdwOTzZE) — Digitech education
- Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/foundation_engineering/prelim-exploration-info
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/foundation_engineering/chapter-2

## Question

What types of information are obtained in preliminary subsurface exploration?

## Short answer

Preliminary exploration provides the types and sequence of soil strata, approximate thickness, depth to bedrock, groundwater level, general classification, rough strength from SPT, and presence of problem soils. It gives approximate bearing capacity to select foundation type and the information needed to plan the detailed exploration.

## Answer

Preliminary exploration gives a general picture of the site. It provides:
- Types and sequence of soil strata and their approximate thickness and extent.
- Depth to bedrock or firm stratum and the groundwater level.
- General soil classification and rough strength (from SPT or hand tests).
- Presence of problem soils such as soft clay, fill, peat, or expansive soil.
- Approximate bearing capacity to select the possible type of foundation.
- Information needed to plan the detailed exploration (number, spacing and depth of borings).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Preliminary exploration gives
   A. exact settlement of the final building
   B. final design drawings
   C. types and sequence of strata, depth to firm layer and groundwater level
   D. construction cost
   Answer: C. It gives a general picture of the site. (Key point: Info)

2. It also shows the presence of
   A. only rock
   B. problem soils such as soft clay, fill, peat or expansive soil
   C. nothing
   D. building permits
   Answer: B. Early identification affects later planning. (Key point: Problem soils)

3. Preliminary results help plan
   A. the paint of the structure
   B. taxes
   C. the number, spacing and depth of detailed borings
   D. tender documents
   Answer: C. They set up the detailed exploration. (Key point: Planning)

## Related in Foundation Engineering

- [Depth and lateral extent of exploration](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Adepth-lateral-extent-exploration) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 2, asked 5×
- [Field tests and SPT corrections for sand](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffoundation_engineering%3Afield-tests-spt-corrections) — Foundation Engineering, chapter 2, asked 2×

## Related in other subjects

- [Information from reflection coefficient; 3rd order HPF](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Ffilter_design%3Areflection-info-third-order-hpf) — Filter Design, chapter 5