Write short notes on Necessity of soil investigation.
Answers
Soil investigation, also called geotechnical investigation, represents a method of determining physical properties of soil at a construction site. This procedure is done with the aim of establishing whether soil is safe and solid for construction. Not until the soil samples are analysed can a construction project start. Soil investigation entails the application of several different methods and represents an essential part of the building and site preparation process. The results of this below-ground investigation can affect the development of the construction project.
Although many people fail to recognise the importance of soil investigation, this is a vital and necessary step of the construction process. Don’t be misled into thinking that if the neighbouring areas conducted a geotechnical investigation and finished their buildings, you don’t have to go through the same process because of the vicinity. In fact, the characteristics of soil can vary significantly depending on location and can affect the stability of the foundation. Other factors, including weather, soil management and climate changes, can also affect soil properties and, thus, the building.
This step of the construction process bears such a great importance because it can cause foundation failures due to the insufficient bearing capacity of the soil. This can pose a serious threat to the safety of the nearby area. If the soil isn’t appropriate for a certain construction, it may even collapse, endangering homes and lives of other people.
As already mentioned, the results of soil investigation can affect the entire building project. Depending on the bearing capacity of soil, its properties, the rate of soil settlement and other relevant data, engineers need to adjust the depth and type of the foundation, decide on the necessary construction elements, choose appropriate building techniques and predict possible problems and solutions.
Finally, soil investigation provides you with a certain level of predictability and stability when it comes to possible construction expenses. By conducting this type of investigation, you’ll be able to anticipate any possible problems and plan your finances accordingly. Otherwise, you might start your building project and invest a lot of money only to realise that soil isn’t appropriate for it.