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Geotechnical Characterization for Foundations (India)
DFI of India Geotechnical Characterization for Foundations Committee was formed in 2018 to improve and enhance the geotechnical investigation and reporting practice in India.

Committee Chair
Dr. CR Parthasarathy
Founder Director, Sarathy Geotech & Engineering Services Pvt ltd.
CR Parthasarathy, Ph.D., founder and director of Sarathy Geotech & Engineering Services, began his career in 1993. He has led major site investigations for offshore and onshore projects, including complexes, refineries and bridges. A Pile Dynamics partner, he promotes deep foundation testing in India. He is a member of Indian Geotechnical Society and serves on DFI of India’s executive committee.
Purpose Statement
- Enhancing Good Work Practices
- Proper and adequate subsurface exploration and characterisation practices for informed design, improved constructability and bid economy.
- Innovative technologies.
- Effective procurement practices for subsurface characterization services.
- Adequate construction observation monitoring to determine whether field modifications are necessary during construction.
- Skill Development Programs
- Develop and implement skill training programs for soil investigation lab technicians and field supervisors.
- DFII signed 5-year MOU with the National Academy of Construction, a Telangana state government organisation, to jointly implement these programs.
- Promotional Activities
- Organize workshops and seminars to raise the level of awareness of the need for and economic benefits of accurate and effective subsurface characterisation information.
- Increase stakeholder awareness of the necessity to effectively manage ground risks.
- Collaborate with similar organizations to improve the professionalism of subsurface characterization.
- Identify current issues and suggest possible solutions.
- Introduce policy intervention wherever needed for enhancing the quality of geotechnical investigation works by closely working with relevant government organisations/authorities.
- Promote active liaisons with BIS,IGS, IIT, NIT, NAC, CIDC, NSDC, major construction organisations, soil investigation agencies, design consultants, soil investigation and lab equipment and tools manufacturers.
Committee News & Events
Fundamentals
Our fundamentals lay the deep foundations for all our work.