Overview
ISO/TS 24283-2:2022 - Geotechnical investigation and testing: Qualification criteria and assessment - Part 2: Responsible expert defines the qualification criteria and responsibilities for the person (the “responsible expert”) who manages and signs off on sampling, laboratory and field testing, measuring, monitoring and installation of equipment (for example piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers and extensometers) within geotechnical investigations. The technical specification clarifies required education/experience, documented competences and supervisory duties to ensure reliable geotechnical testing and reporting.
Key topics and requirements
- Qualification pathways (minimum documented experience):
- College/university degree in a relevant subject + at least 3 years relevant work experience.
- Completed vocational training in a relevant subject + at least 5 years relevant work experience.
- 10 years relevant work experience (no formal qualification required).
- Documented competence requirements (should cover):
- Applicable laws, health, safety and environmental regulations, technical rules and standards.
- Geological, soil/rock mechanics and hydrogeological principles and the purpose of ground investigation.
- Relevant sampling, laboratory and field testing, measuring, monitoring and equipment installation per referenced standards.
- Reporting in accordance with relevant standards and identification/description of soil and rock (ISO 14688‑1, ISO 14689 where applicable).
- Quality management system awareness and application.
- Capabilities expected of the responsible expert:
- Understand and manage the investigation programme.
- Supervise qualified technicians/operators and ensure correct execution.
- Ensure completeness and quality of reports; highlight divergences that influence results.
- Request additional expertise when necessary.
- Responsibility:
- Supervision and control of correct execution of geotechnical investigations and signing the related test reports.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO/TS 24283-2:2022 is aimed at organizations and professionals involved in geotechnical investigation and testing, including:
- Geotechnical engineers acting as site or project leads.
- Contractors and field teams performing sampling, monitoring and equipment installation.
- Laboratories and inspection bodies validating test programmes and reports.
- Clients and project managers who require assurance of personnel competence.
- Conformity assessment bodies and auditors assessing personnel qualifications.
Use cases include foundation or slope investigations, geothermal borehole testing, monitoring programs with piezometers/inclinometers, and any project requiring accredited geotechnical sampling and reporting.
Related standards
Key linked standards referenced in the bibliography:
Keywords: ISO/TS 24283-2:2022, geotechnical investigation, responsible expert, qualification criteria, sampling, monitoring, piezometers, borehole heat exchanger, inclinometers, extensometers, geotechnical testing, standards.