Before constructing a building, a site investigation must be carried out. To ensure that your building won’t cause damage to the environment, you must understand the background of the site. 

There are several investigations, each of which is carried out under a different approach. During the exploration phase, test borings will be drilled into the soil, collecting samples for laboratory analysis or visual observation. Although there’s no set number of borings, a good rule of thumb is to drill at least one at each corner and centre of the structure. 

If you find that the topsoil of the building is unsuitable, you’ll likely need to drill additional borings in that area. Also, it’s essential to drill deep enough into the soil to reach the expected building loads and accommodate the intended design.

About the Investigations

In addition to soil site investigation, digital geotechnical maps are also produced using GIS technology. These maps show soil strength, bearing capacity, and settlement data. These data are then used to develop digital maps. 

To do this, these maps are generated using 3D GIS mapping software. However, a detailed site investigation is only suitable for large engineering projects and requires significant capital. In smaller projects, preliminary site exploration is sufficient. Field tests and laboratory investigations are carried out to understand the soil properties.

In-depth investigations require more information on the soil strata. This information can be obtained by utilizing exploratory test pits and drill holes. Moreover, they allow for more detailed investigation and help determine the underlying geology. 

A desk study and maps of nearby sites may also help understand the subsurface characteristics. For instance, if a layer of soil is confining an aquifer, the change in soil type may indicate a confining layer of water in that layer.

Why Perform Investigations

During the planning phase of an urban development project, a soil site investigation will help identify construction materials. The characteristics of the soil will help you make a sound decision about which materials to use. Certain materials do not pair well with specific soils. 

In addition, they may cause cracks to develop along walls. Soil site investigation is an essential step in ensuring the safety and security of your building. The process starts with the proper soil investigation, and the information you gather will be invaluable to you and your building’s foundation.

Site investigation can save you money, reduce damages, and provide information on the best materials and methods for construction. It’s also essential to determine what type of materials will work well on the site and will meet safety requirements. If the ground is unstable, the building may collapse, and you could lose the entire structure.

Soil site investigation is an essential step before constructing a building. They include a collection of undisturbed and disturbed samples at different depths. Various geotechnical tests are used to determine the engineering properties of the soil. Visit Australian Soil Investigations website to learn more about the investigation process.

Once these measurements have been made, the data is used to design the construction. The accuracy of the soil site investigation determines how well a structure will perform. Many of the most common foundation failures happen due to inadequate knowledge of ground conditions.

A site investigation will also reduce the risks associated with building on problematic soil. A building can suffer significant damage if it isn’t built on a sturdy foundation. If the foundation is weak, it may collapse or face ground pressure around it. 

A soil site investigation is essential for a building’s safety to provide information to construction crews and avoid potential hazards. This will help the construction crews build a sturdy foundation.

Tests and Results

Various tests may be carried out during the investigation. For example, a dilatometer test can measure groundwater pressure using a flat steel plate. The rig advances the flat plate using CPT equipment. 

A diaphragm on the flat plate applies lateral force to the soil and then measures the strain caused by different stress levels. Generally, three readings are obtained for each stress level. A geologist interprets the data collected during this procedure.

A subsoil investigation and creation report provide comprehensive information about the construction site. Usually, only after a thorough site exploration process can this report be generated. 

The results of soil analysis will determine the extent of any health risks. In some cases, the bacteriological and chemical analysis results can help determine whether the site is contaminated with hazardous materials. 

Fortunately, most soil sites are not contaminated with dangerous materials. However, if you are unsure of the source of a contaminant, a soil site investigation is a great way to avoid this. Soil site investigation is a necessary step in planning a construction project.