Geotechnical Borehole Logging Excel Template (BS 5930 Compliant)

BS 5930:2015+A1:2020 establishes rigorous requirements for ground investigation procedures, including mandatory elements for borehole logging such as accurate depth referencing, lithological description using the UK Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and BS EN ISO 14688 soil classification system, identification of discontinuities, groundwater level measurements with timing, and recording of sampling techniques (e.g., disturbed vs. undisturbed, SPT N-values). The Excel template operationalizes these requirements through structured input fields, dropdown validation lists (e.g., for soil type, weathering grade, fracture spacing), conditional formatting for anomalous values (e.g., sudden density changes), and built-in unit conversions (e.g., kPa to MPa). It typically includes separate worksheets for header information (site ID, borehole number, date, driller), stratigraphic log (layer-by-layer description with depth intervals), field test summaries (SPT, vane shear, permeability tests), and a summary interpretation sheet generating preliminary geotechnical parameters (e.g., estimated φ' and c' ranges, bearing capacity indicators). Beyond data capture, the template facilitates traceability via audit trails (e.g., timestamped edits, user initials), export readiness for GIS integration or inclusion in formal Geotechnical Design Reports (GDRs), and alignment with CIRIA C681 and PAS 128 for utility conflict avoidance. Its use significantly reduces transcription errors, accelerates reporting cycles, and strengthens defensibility in legal or insurance contexts where adherence to BS 5930 is contractually required.