Depth and Spacing of Trial Pits or

Bore Holes
The location and the spacing of trial pits or bore holes for a particular site require special
consideration. The pits or the bore holes should be so located so as to give adequate
information in respect of changes in properties of the underlying strata with depth. The
number and spacing of the test pits or bore holes to be adopted for a site will depend upon
the area of the plot as well as the type of structure to he built. For a plot of 0.4 hectare we may
have one trial pit or bore hole near each corner and one in the middle. For smaller size of plot
and for ordinary structure, one trial pit or bore hole near the centre should be sufficient. The
depth of the pit or bore hole will depend upon the characteristics of the soil as well as the type
of structure, its shape, size and loading condition. As a thumb rule, its depth should be one
and a half times the probable width of the footing or 1.5 m whichever is more. In case of weak
soils, however, the test pits or the bore holes should he taken to a depth at which the loads
can be carried by the soil without undesirable settlement.