Assessing the Reliability of Vertical Electrical Sounding as an Alternative to Standard Penetration Testing in Inaccessible Terrains

Abstract

Site investigations are crucial for the safe design of foundations. This study evaluates the use of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to determine subsoil stratigraphy in inaccessible areas along a proposed transmission line grid, comparing the results with traditional Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) data. SPT and VES tests were conducted concurrently at three tower locations (TT – Bu – L9, TATA sites) to a non-refusal depth of 15m. Results from both methods correlated well, suggesting that VES is a reliable and efficient tool for geotechnical investigations in challenging terrains, which can improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure development.