Unit 3. Site investigation
(Letter)
Mr. Muldoon,
Before we begin construction on your property, we must conduct a thorough site investigation. This letter explains the steps in that process.
First, we will do a complete surface evaluation. This will include a topographic survey of the surface features. The designers will use this data to design appropriate landscape features. We will also know if we need to move soil to make the site level.
Next, a subsurface investigation will be necessary. We need to know what kind of soil the foundation will rest on. A preliminary check showed mostly sand and larger pieces of gravel. However, there may also be weaker silt or clay soils present. We will dig several test pits to obtain a complete soil profile. Some of these will only be a few meters deep. For others we will use a drill rig to dig twenty meters down.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Jackie Sandburg
1. Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.
1) What are some different soil types?
2) What equipment digs deep into the ground?
Reading
2. Read the letter from a contractor to a landowner. Then mark the statements as true (T) of false(F).
1 __The topographic survey provides data for landscape design.
2 __ The preliminary investigation showed silt soil to be present.
3 __ The soil profile includes soil from twenty meters below the surface.
Vocabulary
3. Match the words (1-6) with the definitions (A-F).
1 – Sand
2 – Clay
3 – Gravel
4 – Surface evaluation
5 – Silt
6 – Topographic survey
A. a soil type with particles measuring between 0,002 mm and 0,02 mm in diameter
B. a soil type with particles measuring between 630 micrometers and 5 mm in diameter
C. an examination of the top layer of soil at a construction site
D. a soil type with particles measuring less than 0,002 mm in diameter
E. a soil type with particles measuring between 5mm and 75mm in diameter
F. an examination and description of the surface features of a construction site
4. Read the sentence and choose the correct word.
1. The contractor will need a test pit / surface investigation ten feet deep at this location.
2. Some soil will have to be moved to make this area sand / level.
3. Can that test pit / drill rig make a hole 25 meters deep?
4. Conduct a subsurface investigation / topographic survey to determine the foundation requirements.
5. The drill rig / soil profile shows a mix of clay and silt in this area.
5. Listen and read the letter from a contractor to a landowner again. What does the surface evaluation consist of?
Listening
6. Listen to a conversation between a contractor and an employee. Choose the correct answers.
1. What is the conversation mainly about?
A. why a drill rig is necessary
B. When clay soil might be dangerous
C. How to increase the strength of soil
D. What to do for a subsurface investigation
2. What will the woman do?
A. dig test pits
B. arrange a drill rig
C. obtain a soil profile
D. order stronger soil if needed
7. Listen again and complete the conversation.
Contractor: Scott, 1 (________) (________) (________) to start that subsurface investigation tomorrow.
Employee: Okay. What will be involved in that?
Contractor: We need a 2 (________) (________) (________) There's probably a good mix of soil types there.
Employee: All right. 3 (________) (_______) (_______) (_______) a drill rig?
Contractor: 4 (________) (________) (________). It’s just for a house. Several small test pits should be fine.
Employee: I see. 5 (________) (________) (________) should the test pits go?
Contractor: Three or four meters 6 (________) (________) (________).
Employee: Got it. Anything else I should watch out for?
Contractor: Knowing that area, there's probably some weak clay soil. Let me know if you come across any.
Speaking
8. With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.
Use Language such as:
I need you to ...
Should I ...
Do you want me to …
Student A: You are a contractor. Talk to Student B about:
· A site investigation
· What is required for the investigation
· Instructions for the investigation
Student B: You are an employee. Talk to Student A about a site investigation.
Writing
9. Use the letter and the conversation from Task 8 to complete the employee’s notes.
Scott Carlson
Site investigation Notes
Required: (__________)
Not required: (__________)
Watch out for: (__________)
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