As any avid property developer will tell you, soil testing and classification are a crucial first step before you can even obtain the necessary building permits for your new build. A team of geotechnical engineers will test the soil in the area of your proposed build to assess whether or not the ground can hold the weight of the intended structure.
Before any construction can get started, the soil testing Melbourne law requires needs to be done. If you’re planning your first build and you’re not exactly sure why you need a soil test, then this post is a must-read. We take a closer look at what a soil test is and why it’s a necessity.
Understanding All Things Soil Related
If you’ve never needed a soil test or built a new home or office space, then you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Our team of experts have compiled the key aspects you should know about soil testing as you prepare to hire a geotechnical engineering firm.
Understanding What a Soil Test Is
At its core, a soil test refers to the process that assesses the chemical and physical properties of soil and ground in the area of your proposed build. Soil tests help to establish how viable the area will be to safely hold your structure.
Soil testing is essential for the following reasons:
- Building permit requirements: Various soil tests may be required before the necessary building permits can be issued. This makes it an essential step for any build, no matter how big or small the structure is.
- Foundation support: Soil testing is an effective way to establish whether the soil can bear the weight of your intended structure (called load-bearing). The results of this test will help your engineering team choose the most effective building materials to use to strengthen and stabilise your building. Being able to do this upfront saves time and prevents the cost of surprises or delays in the building process.
- Pollutant detection: Certain types of soil tests can also help identify pollutants that may be in the soil before the building process starts. This then enables the construction team to apply the correct countermeasures to remove or overcome the pollutant issues.
Performing soil tests identifies whether the soil is compressible, too loose, or features high levels of soil and clay. Special construction techniques can be used to make the soil more stable. This often includes soil replacement, foundation supports, or even foundation repairs. These measures go a long way toward avoiding crumbling and cracking foundations, which can be caused by contraction from soil moisture changes and soil expansion.
Soil Testing Must be Done for All New Builds
Soil testing must be performed before any construction begins and is required for every new build planned for property where no buildings have ever been built. Tests for pollutants are usually conducted before any initial digging takes place. This is especially the case if there are known pollutants in the area.
Many experts recommend requesting a soil test before purchasing any new land where nothing has been built before. This can be done to ensure that you aren’t purchasing land that you can’t build on or that will be too expensive to rehabilitate. Finalising the purchase will be contingent on the land passing the soil test.
Know Who Should Perform the Tests
For the most part, soil tests are performed by geotechnical engineers. Samples are collected at varying depths, and some are analysed on-site while others are sent to environmental laboratories for analysis.
Geotechnical engineering firms specialise in different types of construction because testing may vary depending on the type of structure you want to erect. For instance, residential testing may differ from a commercial shopping complex. Be sure to check for a geotechnical firm that specialises in your specific build.
Understand What the Results Mean
The results of your soil test will provide clarity on the types of amendments and construction techniques needed to ensure a safe and robust building. Solutions are often designed for improved drainage, soil grading and foundation reinforcements.
Tests will also address potential issues that could arise from future flooding, landslides, or issues relating to soil erosion. All of these factors can negatively influence the structural integrity of your building and any others you may want to add on in the future.
Your geotechnical engineering team will also make recommendations for using recycled building materials in your build. This not only helps you build a sustainable and eco-friendly structure, but also ensures that you send less wasteful rubble and materials to the local landfills.
Final Thoughts
Soil testing is an essential part of any new construction’s pre-planning. Speak to your local geotechnical firm for a breakdown of the tests you’ll need for your specific build. Scheduling a comprehensive soil test will ensure that your build can get off to a safe and effective start. It will also give you peace of mind that your structure can hold up to issues such as flooding and landslides.
