Visualization of geotechnical data by means of geographic information system: a case study in Eskisehir city (NW Turkey)

Recently, geographic information system Software’s are widely used in engineering geology applications. Such a study was performed in the Eskisehir urban area of about 30 km2 via geo-engineering maps, cross-sections and panel-block diagrams, which are formed to predict the properties of foundation soil. In order to determine the engineering geology properties of the region, physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil profile were tested on 1,011 disturbed and 383 undisturbed samples from a total of 170 boreholes. Topographic, lithological and geotechnical data of the region were compiled as a database in computer. Five geological cross-sections were drawn to decipher specifically the alluvial deposits in detail in densely populated areas. Hence, geological characteristics of the area were evaluated in a three-dimensional mode. Five standard penetration test (SPT) cross-sections at the same directions and SPT, uniaxial compressive strength (qu) and soil class Zonation maps were produced at different depths and panel-block diagrams were also created to define the geo-engineering properties of the investigation area. In this respect, the sub-surface of the study area is fully visualized and useful predictor maps, cross-sections and panel-block diagrams are performed to be used in further studies.