PORTABLE GEOTECHNICS - USING ANDROID SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS FOR GEOTECHNICAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

With considerable advancement in developing of Android-based smartphones and tablet devices in recent years and their price drops, software (applications) specially designed for geological/geotechnical engineers has become available on market. Android-based phones and tablets with integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) modules and accelerometer/gyro sensors have become very powerful handy tools for geotechnical field investigations. With available applications for those devices on Android market (Google Play, April, 2013) it is possible to use them for: geotechnical/geological mapping in real time, collecting strike-dip measurements, borehole logging, augmented photo visualisation of investigation site, data storage and geotechnical analysis (such as RMR. calculation, soil bearing capacity etc.). By reviewing related websites and few available articles that have regarded such possibilities, a number of applications that are possible to use in direct or indirect way for geotechnical investigations were identified. These are further assessed, evaluated and compared in practice, at particular pilot sites. Applications are grouped in several major geotechnical investigation sections in respective order mentioned above. The software testing is followed with the applications screenshots, short reviews and basic specifications. Several key criteria were identified as essential attributes of an effective geotechnical field investigation using Android applications. These criteria have been used as the basis for the assessment and evaluation process.