When you’re planning a new build on your property, you may already be drawing up elaborate plans that could involve stunning modern architecture and streamlined designs. While both of these attributes will make your new structure the talk of the town, the reality is that the foundation under your building will determine the eventual safety and integrity.
It’s with this in mind that the soil testing Melbourne locals invest in before a new build should be a key aspect of your planning process. If you’re planning some construction on your property, then this post is a must-read.
What is a Soil Test?
Simply put, a soil test is a comprehensive assessment that analyses the various characteristics of the ground you’re planning to build on. The most common reason for this is to determine the soil’s suitability for construction or agriculture.
These types of tests will determine the soil’s bearing capacity. This means, will your soil be strong and durable enough to hold the type and weight of your proposed construction? Soil tests can also determine whether or not the soil will hold up in storms and how likely it is to cause flooding or landslides due to poor drainage.
Soil Testing is a Key Aspect of Any Construction
If you have begun the process of researching the requirements for your new build’s permits, you would have been told that you need a series of specific soil tests before the permits can be granted. We’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why soil testing is a valuable and necessary aspect of any new construction.
1. Assesses the Overall Soil Structure and Integrity
The number one reason for conducting a soil test revolves around assessing the soil’s strength and ability to bear the heavy load of a building. Building your structure on unstable soil can increase the risk of uneven foundations, structural failures, and foundation cracks.
Soil tests will help an engineer assess the characteristics of the soil. The most common of these include the following:
- Moisture content
- Compaction levels
- Soil density
2. Reduces Potential Environmental Impact
Modern construction is a lot more concerned with the environmental impact of new builds. This is because the focus has shifted to finding and performing responsible construction practices.
A typical example of this includes assessing the overall soil permeability and levels of erosion so that specific building measures can be implemented to counter any issues. This not only protects the damage to local environment but also ensures project sustainability.
3. Minimises Unexpected Construction Delays
If your construction team start building without a soil test, there’s a very strong possibility that they will run into delays and issues as the construction goes forward. These types of issues can include the following:
- Hidden voids in the soil
- Underground water tables
- Weak soil pockets
- Excessive sulfur content
All of these issues can lead to issues with the building process, which in turn can also result in a significant and costly waste of materials. Unstable foundations can also lead to unsafe builds, making them dangerous for anyone in or around the structures.
4. Allows for Foundation Design Changes
No matter what type of building you’re planning, the foundation will always be the most crucial component. The foundation must suit the ground it’s on as well as the surrounding area. Your engineering team will design a foundation based on the characteristics of the soil.
A common example would be to build a deeper foundation for soil with low load-bearing capacity. This will ensure that the foundation doesn’t crack under the weight of the structure.
Soil tests that reflect an exceptionally low load-bearing capacity may require additional soil stabilisation techniques to add more robust support. Implementing these techniques in the construction phase will enhance your new build’s stability.
5. Enables Your Engineering Team to Customise Construction Techniques
One sure thing in the construction industry is that each job site has its unique requirements and challenges. This usually has to do with the types of soil and the condition of the ground you’re building on.
A soil test will help your construction team choose the best construction and building techniques. For instance, a soil test will assess whether a foundation should be shallow or deep. Your team will also know whether or not they have to design a specific drainage system to reduce the risk of localised flooding.
Customising your construction techniques to suit the soil and ground conditions enables you to improve the efficiency of your structure and also reduces the risk of ground-related issues down the line.
Final Thoughts
The required soil tests are an effective way to assess the stability of the ground you want to build on. Knowing how stable your soil is will give you peace of mind that your new build is safe and structurally sound to handle anything from localised flooding to soil erosion.
If you’re planning a new build, the first step should always be to speak to your local geotechnical specialist. They will provide you with a more comprehensive breakdown of the tests and assessments needed.