ADVANCING ECO-FRIENDLY INFRASTRUCTURE: EFFECTIVE SITE INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA

In recent times, the Arabian Peninsula including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has seen a rapid increase in infrastructure development. Examining the correct condition of the soil is a key concern due to harsh climatic and geographic conditions. The shallower depth of the soil in this region is made of loose dunes or shoreline sand that contains soluble salts. The expansive nature of the salt-bearing soil, along with the instability of the ground water table and the unusual natural conditions, poses a variety of geotechnical challenges to the safety and functionality of the structure. Despite spending money, time, and other resources on repair and recovery, little effort is made to investigate viable soil investigation procedures. In this paper, an attempt is made to distinguish the components involved in soil analysis, emphasizing their relevance to the context of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to the two main phases of site investigation, the preparatory review and the detailed inspection, supplementary analysis helps the geotechnical engineer to optimize the design and make cost-effective decisions. In this study, detailed research on the latest sub-soil exploration strategies has been carried out and demonstrated, together with their effect and practicality, in Saudi Arabia. It is envisioned that this article will serve as a guide for the infrastructural engineers and technicians ultimately aiding in the imminent mass construction.