In the design phase of a road embankments is necessary to examine geology, hydrogeology and hydrography of the area object of study, to suggest alternatives of path, assessing hydrogeological risks and existing landscape restrictions.

From geological point of view, is to be conducted many geotechnical investigations (tests of mechanical resistance, permeability tests, laboratory tests, etc) in order to characterize the soil, defining, in a quantitative way, geotechnical characteristic.

Also, it is possible that Contractors require feasibility studies, tied to special needs (check of altimetric and planimetric trend, bending angles, slopes, etc) or check of degree of compaction of the road foundation.