When planning on building a new property, it is important to ensure that the land you want to construct on is fit for purpose. One aspect of this is to conduct soil testing on your site before beginning construction work. Soil testing is the process of assessing a soil's physical properties and its ability to sustain the loads and stresses created by the building. This test provides information related to soil classification, compaction, and strength, which determines the ability of the soil to support the weight of the structure and its contents. In this blog, we will examine the importance of soil testing before building your property and how the process can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Soil Composition Determines Foundation Type

Soft soil is prone to settling, while sandy soil is more stable. A soil test helps determine the composition of the soil, which then helps architects determine the appropriate foundation for your property. Building on unsuitable ground can result in foundation failure, which can put lives in danger.

Soil Testing Prevents Costly Design Changes

Often, design changes are required if the soil is deemed unsuitable for building a structure. That could involve redesigning plans, choosing a different construction method or shifting the property positioning on-site. Soil testing can identify any issues in advance so that design changes can be made before construction begins, saving you both time and money.

Soil Testing Helps Assess Environmental Impact

Soil testing can provide important information about any environmental issues that may need addressing. For example, a test can help identify soil that is contaminated or at risk of contamination, allowing you to take necessary measures before commencing building work. Soil testing helps ensure that your project complies with regulatory laws and standards.

Soil Testing Helps Determine the Presence of Liquefaction

Liquefaction occurs when a solid soil mass loses its strength and behaves like a liquid during severe shaking or stress. Soil testing can help determine the presence of liquefaction, which is a common problem in earthquake-prone areas. Building on soil prone to liquefaction can lead to damage and collapse of the structure during an earthquake.

Soil Testing Helps Determine Land Value

A thorough soil test can reveal more than just compaction level and foundation requirements. If a lot has very poor soil, it may be valued at a lower rate to reflect the cost of additional site-preparation activities. Soil testing can provide site investors or property developers with insight into the potential development of their land.

For more info about soil testing, contact a local company.