Utilization of GIS to Generate a Digital Geotechnical Map of Baghdad City

Abstract The Geographic Information System (GIS) is considered one of the most prominent programs used to collect, analyze, display, process, and produce geographic information maps for a specific purpose. It is also considered one of the modern database programs. Additionally, we can perform statistical analysis within GIS on predefined data to produce quantitative results. In this study, data was collected from more than 80 engineering projects established in Baghdad City from soil investigation reports for the projects. Geographic information systems were used to produce objective maps showing the variation in the bearing capacity of shallow foundations in the soil of Baghdad Governorate. It demonstrates the importance of GIS exploration for more valuable results such as the bearing capacity of shallow foundation from the results of Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) showed in the soil of Baghdad Governorate. The total number of boreholes excavated was 150, irregularly distributed in Baghdad city. Three SPT tests were performed in each boreholes at depths of 1.5, 6 and 9 m measured from the existing ground level (EGL). The study concluded by producing objective maps that show the variation in bearing capacity of soil for all area of the Baghdad city for the aforementioned depths. These maps can be used by different local authorities to predict the bearing capacity of the soil and choose the appropriate type of foundation for each soil. We can also use it to assess the foundations of existing and irregular buildings and assess the extent of the risks of failure and collapse.