What are trenches dug at the job site to allow visual inspection of soil strata called?

Test pits are shallow excavations made in the ground, typically to allow for a visual inspection of the soil's strata and to gather information about the subsurface conditions. This method is often employed during geotechnical investigations to assess the type of soil, its moisture content, and other characteristics that could affect the construction process. By using test pits, engineers and architects can gain valuable insights into the foundational conditions of a site, which can influence the design and construction methods chosen.

The significance of test pits lies in their ability to provide direct observation and sampling of the soil layers, making them a preferred choice over other forms of subsurface investigation when a detailed understanding of the soil profile is required. This crucial step in site analysis helps inform decisions related to building foundations, drainage design, and overall project feasibility.