In-situ investigations in Riyadh limestone

Most of the large cities in the Golf area are founded on a sedimentary rocks, such as Riyadh and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. Foundations for multistories buildings, underground storage tanks, and underpasses set on rocks. Proper analysis and design of foundations will require an evaluation of certain geotechnical parameters. The commonly used local geotechnical investigations are limited to Rock quality Designation (RQD) and Unconfined Compression Strength (q(u)). However, these parameters are not adequate since the rocks are weak and highly weathered in most cases. Therefore, selected bearing capacity and settlement are commonly over conservative and uneconomical. This paper reviews the local geotechnical site investigations in Riyadh limestone. Elastmeter2 system for in-situ borehole testing is introduced as an alternative enhanced and reliable tool.