Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Portable Soil Stratigraphy Analyzer

Thesis Abstract

The accurate assessment of soil stratigraphy is fundamental for geological investigation, environmental monitoring, and civil engineering applications, yet existing stratigraphic analysis methods are often constrained by high costs, limited portability, and operational complexity, thereby restricting their widespread use in resource-constrained settings. This study aims to develop and evaluate a low-cost, portable soil stratigraphy analyzer designed to overcome these limitations, thus facilitating accessible and efficient subsurface profiling. The specific objectives include designing an affordable device utilizing readily available electronic and sensor components, implementing a reliable data acquisition system, and establishing analytical models for stratigraphy interpretation through field validation. The research adopts a pragmatic mixed-methods approach, combining engineering design principles with empirical validation. The research design integrates iterative prototyping and field testing across a sample of 50 diverse soil sites within a mid-sized region. The population comprises geotechnical practitioners, soil scientists, and environmental engineers, with purposive sampling employed to select key stakeholders and field sites representative of different soil types and strata characteristics. Primary data collection employs the devised stratigraphy analyzer, supplemented by traditional borehole logs and laboratory soil analyses, with sensor outputs processed through embedded microcontrollers, and data analyzed via regression models and principal component analysis to identify stratigraphic signatures. The device's validity and reliability are assessed through calibration tests against standard borehole data, evaluated with comparative statistical techniques including Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients. A validation framework based on the Theory of Technological Adoption and the Geotechnical Classification Model guides the interpretation of usability and accuracy metrics. The anticipated findings include a demonstrable correlation between the device readings and conventional stratigraphic data, with an expected error margin within 10% for depth and sediment classification; the device's operational efficiency driven by a user-centered design, rapid data collection within under 10 minutes per site, and cost reduction by approximately 60% relative to existing commercial technologies. The study is expected to contribute novel insights into affordable and accessible geological instrumentation, presenting a scalable model for in-situ soil profiling in resource-limited environments. It is anticipated that the device's deployment will enhance geological and environmental decision-making, particularly in rural or underdeveloped regions, by providing real-time, georeferenced stratigraphic information. The main conclusion underscores the viability of integrating low-cost sensors with embedded processing for portable soil analysis, advocating for broader adoption of such technologies in geological practice. Recommendations emphasize further development of wireless connectivity features for remote data transmission, integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and expanded field validation across diverse soil ecosystems. Ultimately, this research advances the frontier of accessible geotechnical instrumentation, enabling more inclusive participation in subsurface investigations, and lays a foundation for subsequent innovations in portable geological monitoring tools.