General report: Mechanical in-situ testing methods

The objective of this report is to introduce ISC'2 Session I "Mechanical in-situ testing methods". A general prologue is made stressing the potential of geotechnical/geoenvironmental in situ testing and the importance of global standards that will ensure that tests are carried out with consistency, a subject of prime importance to transfer experience from one country to another or develop generic correlations. A wide range of parameters can be reliably obtained from in situ testing and it is noticeable that the ratings of some tests have improved as the database of experience has built up, but others have declined as the initial predictions of their capability have been found to be wanting. Effort is required in order to improve the situation and get the best from existing tests. The papers presented to Session I are an example of this fact. The 20 papers, from 13 different countries around the world, cover a wide range of topics and uses of in situ tests and this variability is a good example of their versatility and usefulness for a ground investigation programme provided the right test is selected for the situation and the equipment and procedures allow repeatable and quality data to be obtained.