Many variables are considered in constructing quality structures. However, the well-known variables that most building owners concentrate on are the building’s design, size, and appearance. They tend to often overlook the fundamental variable that influences stability and strength. Indeed, this isn’t the best practice, and it could be disastrous.
The soil is considered the primary variable because it is where the building will be constructed and needs to be conducive to the methods employed when constructing the building. This is meant to avoid any hazards from arising over time.
The method of obtaining information about the soil for a building project is described as soil testing. And thankfully, this article will highlight what soil testing is, how soil testing is conducted, and the benefits of soil testing for any building project. Ensure to read to the end for more interesting information.
What is Soil Testing?
Soil Testing is described as a scientific process of testing the soil in an area to determine its properties. On a broader note, soil testing comprises the actual soil test and site classification.
Soil test: This is also described as a field test; it involves collecting soil samples from the site for a laboratory test and using the results from the laboratory to conduct a field soil analysis.
Site classification involves using a guide or standard set by a state that classifies sites based on their properties. The site classification uses the results and observations from the field testing and laboratory tests to classify the site into a category. Each category has a standard for the construction method to be used on the site.
Soil testing requires the presence of a professional structural engineer because they are tasked with supervising the whole test process.
How Soil Testing is Conducted
As mentioned earlier, soil testing is classified, and each category aims to examine specific qualities, including:
Field Tests: These are some of the qualities a field Tests checks in a site:
- Slope of the site
- The soil’s strata: This helps identify the different soil types overlaying each other.
- Overland flows
- Presence of existing structures in the soil
- The soil s bearing capacity using Dynamic Core Penetrometer (DCP)
- Soil’s strength
- Soil’s pH
The laboratory test under the field Tests check for:
- Soil’s reactivity
- Soil’s permeability
- Soil’s salinity
Site classification: This uses standard categories and reports from the field test to classify the site before commencing the building project.
Benefits of Soil Testing
On why soil testing is essential for the foundation of any building project, its benefits highlight why. These benefits are:
- It saves cost because it gives you detailed information on the most cost-effective way to conduct a building project.
- It helps determine the best foundation for a site
- It helps determine the building material and process to use on-site to avoid any accidents.
- It helps determine the depth to dig when looking for water.
Does Soil Testing Have A Specific Season?
No, soil testing can be done at any time and place; it just needs to be conducted by a professional engineer with experience.
Conclusion
Soil Testing helps determine the fundamental variable that influences the quality of a building. Hence, there is no denying how essential it is for the foundation of any building.
The PSA Group provide a range of environmental management services that include soil and water monitoring and testing, polluted water transportation and disposal, along with a host of other critical environmental monitoring and construction services, including dewatering services.
