ABSTRACT
The undertaking of a site investigation program for a rock tunnel project should not be assumed to be a minor effort but rather requires comprehensive planning and organization which is fully justified given the expense of most programs. For the execution of a site investigation program it is necessary to engage an independent and well experienced geological consultant in conjunction with a tunnel design consultant to be responsible to manage and supervise all the field, in situ, and laboratory testing works. The compilation of a base plan map based on existing information is a very useful tool that serves for the planning of site investigations. A useful tool is LiDAR topographic survey data that provides high resolution topographic definition that can often reveal the presence of geological contacts, faults and landslides, particularly in mountainous terrain. An important planning aspect for a site investigation program is the pre-qualification and availability of drilling and in situ testing contractors.
