Challenges and Experiences of Site Investigations Abroad

Site investigations abroad offer opportunities to learn about a region’s geology and to experience cultures different to our own. More importantly, challenges working in remote conditions and developing countries require adapting to local environments and using a diverse range of investigation methods. This paper discusses the challenges and experiences while undertaking geotechnical site investigations in the Middle East. It outlines the processes we put in place to ensure consistent and usable geological data was collected so that a workable ground model could be established. As the investigations were located abroad, it was critical that the data obtained was usable for interpretation once back in our home country of New Zealand. This requires a clear understanding of the local geological environment and geotechnical risks to the specific projects. In addition, local workers, many of whom spoke little English, added a further dynamic to the investigations and a window into their own culture. The lessons learnt while abroad have improved our site investigation methodologies and techniques, and have been an excellent personal opportunity to develop technically and visit places otherwise inaccessible.