Use this checklist to review whether a geotechnical report gives enough project-specific information for foundations, slabs, pavements, retaining walls, slopes, earthwork, and construction decisions.
Report Content To Verify
- Project location, proposed grades, loads, structures, retaining walls, pavements, and planned earthwork
- Boring/test pit locations, exploration depths, sampling methods, refusal, groundwater observations, and lab tests
- Soil stratigraphy, fill limits, weak layers, expansive clay, organics, rock, and variability between explorations
- Recommendations for bearing, settlement, slabs, pavements, drainage, excavation, compaction, and construction observation
Engineering Review Questions
- Do recommendations match the final site plan and structural loads?
- Are groundwater readings and seasonal limitations discussed clearly?
- Are limitations, unsuitable materials, and observation requirements practical for construction?
- Are retaining wall and slope parameters included where those elements exist?
Engineering Notes
- A report written for one site layout may not apply after grading or loads change.
- Boring logs are not the same as design recommendations; both must be reviewed.
- Ask for clarification when recommendations are conditional or conflict with drawings.
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Geotechnical Report Review Checklist
The downloadable text file mirrors the checklist structure on this page so it can be copied into project notes, field forms, study binders, or calculation records.