What does groundwater problems signify regarding site stability?

Groundwater problems signify potential instability because the presence of excessive groundwater can lead to various issues that negatively affect soil stability. High groundwater levels can increase pore water pressure within the soil, reducing effective stress and causing soil to lose its strength. This can lead to phenomena such as slope failure, liquefaction, or erosion.

When groundwater saturates the soil, it can cause the soil grains to lose their intergranular friction, ultimately making the ground more susceptible to collapse or shifting under load. Therefore, identifying and managing groundwater issues is crucial in assessing the stability of a site, as they are indicative of potential instability that may compromise structures or land use in the area.