ABSTRACT
This paper attempts to categorise geotechnical field site characterisation tools in a hierarchical manner, as appropriate for the progression from initial surveys to detailed geotechnical design of specific infrastructure. In general, the hierarchy reflects more the sophistication, and hence cost, of the field tools, although small-scale tools developed to explore box core samples are something of an exception, with the potential for high quality data at low cost. These ideas are explored in the context of modern developments in equipment and methods of deployment, and in the manner in which the data may be used efficiently in design.
