CALICATA: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES AND WHAT THEY ARE FOR - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The test pit is the digging of a well test to observe directly the earth 's surface and take a sample for analyzing the composition and nature of the ground. The main objective is to carry out a geotechnical survey of the land, to assess whether it is fit for the use for which it is intended (mining, planting, construction, etc.).

This type of procedure is carried out through the implementation of conventional mechanical techniques, which facilitate direct observation of the soil and the implementation of some field tests.

It is a simple but very effective method of exploration, since it allows to inspect the conditions of the ground in an expeditious way.

The test holes are intended to analyze stratification; therefore, they must be deep enough to do so. The excavation is usually square and must allow the entrance of some people inside.

characteristics

The test pits are quick and easy to do, as well as being extremely reliable in terms of the results obtained. Therefore, it is one of the favorite methods when evaluating the surface conditions of a terrain.

The most outstanding characteristics of the soil survey by pits are detailed below:

- Given the simplicity of the procedure, the test pits can be implemented in all types of terrain, and under an important diversity of geological conditions.

- Excavation is carried out using standard mechanical methods, such as: backhoe loaders.

- The depth of the pits depends on the scope of the exploration; it is limited by the ground water table. That is, the height of the well will depend on the distance that the water is in the subsoil, with the surface of the ground as a reference. Sometimes the depth does not exceed 5 meters; in exceptional cases it reaches 10 meters.

- The characteristics of the excavation vary according to the soil: if they are cohesive soils and the well is less than 3 meters deep, secondary supports (bracing) are implemented to guarantee stability. If they are non-cohesion soils, simply excavate leaving a steep slope on the walls of the test hole.

- A standard pit area is usually 0.8 meters wide by 1 meter long. Less than this is not recommended, in order to properly observe the floor walls and verify stratification.

- It is suggested that, when a new layer of terrain is glimpsed, the excavation area is reduced and platforms of approximately 30 centimeters long be left to easily recognize the soil strata.

- A good practice is to discard material from the excavation that has samples of different types of soil to its credit. This material is considered contaminated, for the purposes of soil analysis.

- Specific technical information must be reported under a control format that records the depth of the pit and the presence of leaks and / or irregularities. The geological, mineralogical and physical characteristics of the soil and the components found in each stratum are also documented. The photographic record is essential.

- The pits must not remain open for a long period of time. After sampling and documentation of the area is complete, the test pit should be filled and compacted to avoid potential hazards in the work area.

- For the physical-chemical analysis of the soil, it is suggested to take a sample from each soil stratum, starting in the deepest stratum and sweeping the pit from the bottom up. The upper strata were likely disturbed with material from other strata when the test hole was excavated.

In that case, you must be very meticulous with taking the sample, and inquire in an uncontaminated area. A deeper hole can even be dug into some stratum if necessary, all to ensure the integrity of the sample.

- When compared to other types of methodologies, pits carry a significant risk for the executing personnel. Workers must wear personal protective equipment and comply with the safety regulations that apply in the event of cave-ins or collapse of the side walls of the hole during excavation.

Types

In essence, there are two types of test pits, depending on the results to be obtained from the analysis:

Calicatas for routine terrain analysis

Before starting work in the adjacencies of a land, the soil conditions must be evaluated and verified if they are suitable for the objective to be achieved.

In that case, a reconnaissance tour is conducted in the area and test holes are dug in locations conducive to research.

These locations must be spaced apart (depending on the conditions of the terrain) and once the soil analysis is carried out, they must be covered in their entirety.

Calicatas for case analysis

This type of pits digs in search of a specific aspect and, consequently, they are only made in a particular area of ​​the land.

For example, this type of pits is applicable in fields that present problems of vegetative development in a specific sector and not in all the target land.

Moisture monitoring is also considered a case analysis test pit. In the latter case, if the ground conditions are homogeneous, the result of the pit can be extrapolated to the rest of the ground.

What are the pits for?

The pits are extremely useful when evaluating the conditions of a land for construction, planting and mining works, among other applications.

Given the characteristics of the procedure, the pits are applicable to all types of land, respecting the differences between the different types of soils. Pits are particularly recommended on cohesive and heterogeneous soils.

References

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4. Obando, T. (2009). Geotechnical Surveys and Calicatas. International University of Andalusia UNÍA. Huelva, Spain. Recovered from: monografias.com
5. Test pit excavation (sf). Recovered from: bcapa.ca
6. Test Pits - Soil Exploration (sf). Recovered from: theconstructioncivil.org
7. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2018). Calicata. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org